The incoming BJP-led National Democratic Alliance Government is set to inherit an overflowing granary, thanks to record wheat, rice and maize production in the 2013-14 season to June.

According to the Agriculture Ministry’s third advance estimates of crop production (kharif and rabi), total foodgrains production is estimated at a record 264.38 million tonnes (mt) against 257.13 mt a year ago.

The projection is over five mt higher than the record output of 259.32 mt achieved during 2011-12.

Cereals output

Despite facing adverse weather conditions such as unseasonal rains, particularly in Andhra Pradesh last year, and dry weather in the North-East, rice production is projected to be at a new peak of 106.29 mt against 105.24 a year ago.

Wheat harvest is set to zoom to a record 95.85 mt (93.51 mt) and the previous record of 94.88 mt during 2011-12.

Jowar production is estimated to drop to 5.25 mt (5.28 mt) but that of bajra is seen rising to 9.19 mt (8.74 mt).

Maize production is expected to surge to a record 24.19 mt against last year’s 22.26 mt (a record then).

Pulses coverage

Production of tur (3.38 mt) and gram (chana - 9.93 mt) are also seen at new highs. The higher projection for gram is despite unseasonal rains in central parts of the country and farmers reporting loss of crop.

In view of the higher tur and gram crops, pulses production is also estimated at a new high of 19.57 mt.

Groundnut output has not only rebounded this year, thanks to bountiful rains in growing areas of Gujarat, but could also touch a new high of 9.47 mt.

Cotton production has been pegged at a new peak of 365 lakh bales (of 170 kg), while that of sugarcane has been estimated at 348.38 mt, up from 341.20 mt a year ago.

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