The Hindu Business Line : Rice output estimated higher at 83.25 mt

New Delhi, Sept. 25 The Centre expects a reasonably good kharif foodgrain harvest of 115.33 million tonnes (mt) this year, which includes a record rice production of 83.25 mt.

This, notwithstanding a rather erratic monsoon characterised by a dry spell during the peak sowing period of July in much of peninsular India, followed by excessive rains from late-August leading to floods in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa and Assam.

“Our estimates factor in an area loss of about 20 lakh hectares (lh) arising from both drought as well as floods. On the other hand, the inputs received from States suggest generally higher productivity this time,” the Agriculture Secretary, Mr T. Nanda Kumar, told presspersons at the conclusion of the National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign-2008 here on Thursday.

As a result, overall kharif grain output for 2008-09, at 115.33 mt according to the Agriculture Ministry’s ‘first advance estimates’, is below last year’s ‘fourth advance estimate’ of 120.96 mt. But it is above the ‘first advance estimate’ of 112.24 mt made for 2007-08. “The 115.33 mt figure is preliminary as the crop is yet to be harvested. It could be revised upwards (similar to last year),” he said.

Flood impact

When asked about the Home Ministry’s latest report showing over 22 lh of area affected across the country due to floods alone, Mr Nanda Kumar noted that there is no reason to believe that the entire crop in this case has suffered damage. “Our assessment is that only in about 4.5 lh, including 2.5 lh in Bihar and one lh each in Assam and Orissa, has there been total crop loss,” he added.

The Agriculture Ministry has, at the same time, projected sharp dips in production of coarse cereals and pulses, mainly due to drought in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Cane output is also projected to fall on account of dry weather in Maharashtra and lower acreages elsewhere.

Cotton and oilseed production is expected more or less on par with last year. While soyabean area has gone up, “late sowing could translate into slightly lower output,” Mr Nanda Kumar said. He was, however, optimistic about the ensuing rabi season crop prospects, courtesy late rains translating into improved soil moisture conditions.

Related Stories:
Kharif rice output to top 84 m tonnes: Pawar
Kharif crops in over 18 lakh hectares affected
Steep hike in support price for kharif crops
Time to throw open the silos
Area under most kharif crops still lags behind

More Stories on : Foodgrains | Climate & Weather | Rice

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
With 5 days to go, rain deficit cut to 1%

IT cos may not dispute Lehman’s ‘cure amounts’

3G, WiMax auctions to be held simultaneously

No fear of commodity bubble: Barclays

HNIs in India up 23%: Study

New Zealand to quarantine Ranbaxy drugs

Pantaloon Retail India (Rs 274.20): Sell

Day Trading Guide

Rice output estimated higher at 83.25 mt

Reinsurance rates under pressure

Markets sense fall in kharif output in advance

Tractor sales grow despite banks clamp-down on funds

SAT declines to stop Emami’s open offer