August 9, 2007

India's barley production this year may increase due to expanded acreage

India's barley production is likely to jump in 2007 mainly due to increased planting area, the US Department of Agriculture said in a latest report.

However, the report said yield level of barley could decline to 1.7 tonnes per hectare in 2007/08 from 1.74 tonnes every hectare recorded in the previous year. Production would be at par with the domestic demand, the USDA said.

The consumption of barley, mainly used as cattle feed is now also used by liquor and breakfast cereal manufacturers. The feed consumption is estimated to remain stable, while the food, seed and industrial (FSI) use is likely to move up.