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Our Bureau

Rice production estimated at 49.25 lakh tonnes

Hyderabad , Jan. 14

Andhra Pradesh has projected a bumper rabi season this year in spite of some temporary concerns such as inconsistent seasonal conditions and lower power supply situation.

According to preliminary estimates, it is projected that the rabi 2006-07 foodgrain production would be 77.63 lakh tonnes as against the normal 56.29 lakh tonnes and the cultivated area during this rabi would be up at 11.72 lakh hectares against normal area of 10.28 lakh hectares. During the year, the total cropped area in the State is around 37.53 lakh hectares as against the normal 34.17 lakh hectares.

This is good news on the eve of Sankranti, a festival celebrated to usher in the harvest season.

RICE PRODUCTION

The rabi rice production is expected to be a record 49.25 lakh tonnes as against normal production of 37.62 lakh tonnes. The cultivated area is 12.82 lakh hectares as against normal area of 10.61 lakh hectares. Alongside, maize production would be a record high with the cultivated area at 1.98 lakh hectares as against the normal 1.36 lakh hectares.

In a statement, the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Sunday expressed satisfaction over the expected record foodgrain output in an informal review with officials here.

Stressing the need to boost agricultural growth in the State, the Chief Minister said that the focus continues to be on farm sector issues of irrigation and free power.

Agriculture production and productivity has attained new heights in the past three years, including the current year. There has been significant increase in the production and productivity in many crops.

By next Sankranti, the State Government is contemplating to provide assured irrigation to 13.5 lakh acres, Dr Reddy said.

The State achieved the highest ever foodgrain production of 169.5 lakh tonnes in 2005-06 as against the average of 125 lakh tonnes of preceding three years in the Tenth Plan period. Similarly, the productivity of major crops has also attained new dimensions.

It is targeted to increase the foodgrain production to 203 lakh tonnes by the end of next five years by increasing the annual productivity growth rate on an average by 4 per cent.

CREDIT DELIVERY

According to the statement, the credit delivery to the farmers has gone up by more than two times with a targeted amount of Rs 15,700 crore of crop loans and Rs 4,870 crore of term loans as against Rs 7,903 crore of Crop loan and Rs 1,116 crore of Term loan during 2003-04. It is planned to gradually increase the credit to Rs 40,000 crore by the end of XI plan (2011-12).

During 2007-08, it is proposed to provide Rs 24,000 crore of agriculture credit to farmers.

More Stories on : Foodgrains | Rice | Andhra Pradesh

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