December 14, 2006

India says wheat output in 2007 may reach 74 million tonnes

India's wheat output is likely to reach 74 million tonnes in 2007, up from an estimated 69.48 million tonnes this year, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said Wednesday (Dec 13).

"The weather conditions are conducive. So far, there has been a 20 percent on year rise in wheat acreage," Pawar told reporters on the sidelines of an industry event.

Pawar said the government will concentrate on building local buffer stocks before pushing wheat exports.