September 20, 2010

Grain production in India to reach 220 million tonnes in 2010-11

India's grain production is expected at 220-230 million tonnes in 2010-11, said Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

'Monsoon this year has been good. The conditions for rice have been very favourable. I expect the overall food grain production to reach between 220-230 million tonnes because of the good monsoon,' Pawar said at a conference on the prospects of food output.

"Yet, the good southwest monsoon will also be favourable for the wheat crop. Reservoirs are full. The level of water in Bhakra Dam for instance is not seen in last 30 years. My expectation after talking to the states is 2010-11 will be bumper crop year," he said.

India is estimated to have produced just 218 million tonnes of grain this year because of bad monsoon, against the target of 239 million tonnes set at the beginning. In 2008-09, the grain output was at a record 234.47 million tonnes.

Drawing attention to pending reforms in the farm sector, Pawar said the pace at which food produce marketing reforms were being undertaken left much to be desired, and urged all states to recast the relevant policies at the earliest.

"This will create an enabling environment for farmers and agro industry. In extension, we have to upscale the success achieved with Agriculture Technology Management Agency and introduce innovative mechanisms to reach out to farmers quickly," he said.

Pawar said with ever increasing input costs, there was a need for optimum returns on investments and inputs. Accordingly, wastage in storage needed to be reduced, the food supply chain improved and incentives made attractive to attract private investment.