India set for Record Foodgrains Production in the 2010-11 Crop Year at 241.56 million tonnes

According to the fourth advance estimates released by the Agriculture Ministry on 19 July 2011, India is set for a record foodgrains production in the 2010-11 crop year at 241.56 million tonnes. Wheat and pulses output are estimated to touch an all time high of 85.93 million tonnes and 18.09 million tonnes respectively. The record production was attributed to good monsoon, higher minimum support price to farmers and focussed policy approach, particularly to enhance production of pulses and oilseeds.

As per the data prepared by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, the record output was achieved despite drought in 90 districts in the eastern belt, excessive rains in parts of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh and yellow rust in some wheat-growing pockets.

Wheat output was estimated to be higher by 5.13 million tonnes in 2010-11. Pulses production enhanced by 3.43 million tonnes with gram at 8.25 million tones, urad at 1.74 million tonnes and moong 1.82 million tonnes recording significant increases. Rice output was estimated at 95.32 million tonnes as against 89.09 million tonnes harvested in 2009-10.

Oilseeds production was estimated at 31.1 million tonnes against 24.8 million tonnes in the previous crop year with a record soyabean output of 12.66 million tonnes.

Coarse cereals output was recorded at 42.22 million tonnes as compared to 33.55 million tonnes produced in 2009-10. A record output of 21.28 million tonnes of maize this year against 16.72 million tonnes produced in 2009-10 contributed hugely to higher coarse cereals out.

Cotton production surged to 33.43 million bales (of 170 kg each) from 24.22 million bales. Sugarcane output was up at 339.17 million tonnes against 292.3 million tonnes in 2009-10.
Total foodgrains output for rabi and kharif in 2009-10 was 218.11 million tonnes. The highest production in recent years was 234.47 million tonnes in 2008-09.

India needs two per cent per annum growth in food grain production to meet the projected demand of 281 million tonnes by 2021.

The 12th Five Year Plan will contain all measures to accelerate the agriculture sector growth to meet future demands. The need for a broad-based, inclusive and sustainable second Green Revolution has therefore been highlighted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.