September 21, 2009

India's wheat production in 2009-10 will likely reach 79 million tonnes, versus 80.58 million tonnes estimated a year earlier, according to the farm ministry Friday (September 18).

Winter-sown rice output during the period is expected to remain at 14.50 million tonnes, almost steady at last year's level, it said on its Web site.

Among other winter-sown crops, jowar production is likely to be 3.90 million tonnes, compared with 4.21 million tonnes a year earlier, while barley output is likely to remain steady at 1.55 million tonnes, it added.

These crops together contribute about 89 percent of the total foodgrains produced during the winter sowing period.