Cyclone 'Phailin' that ravaged the crops in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh will not hit the domestic supply of rice or its exports, Food Minister K.V. Thomas said today.
The cyclonic storm had hit the coastal areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh yesterday. It had left a trail of destruction in coastal areas, ravaging the crops, infrastructure and flattening hundreds of houses.
Asked if rice supplies would be affected due to cyclone, Thomas said: “How can it be? Our production is so high. We have ample stocks that show India’s strength.”
Rice production has grown over the years despite some parts of the country being affected by natural disaster, he told reporters here on the sidelines of an event.
“India’s rice and wheat are getting good price in the international market. There is no curb on exports,” he added.
Rice production from this year’s summer crop, which is being harvested slowly in some parts of the country, is estimated at 92.31 million tonnes. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh normally produce 18-20 mt of rice.
Rice stock in the government godowns are at 19 mt as of now against the requirement of 7.2 mt.
India has removed the curbs on rice and wheat exports since September 2011 owing to surplus production.
On sugar production, Thomas said: “We are expecting 25 mt of output in the 2013-14 marketing year, against the demand of 22 mt.”
The Government projections on sugar output are in line with the industry. However, production in 2013-14 is likely to be slightly lower than last year’s 25.1 mt.
Sugar marketing year runs from October to September. India is the world’s second biggest sugar producer.