India is likely to have a record production of wheat this year, surpassing the previous record of 94.88mn tonnes in 2012, analysts said
India’s agriculture secretary Ashish Bahuguna said that the production of gram, mustard seed and barley output may also exceed the previous record if farmers receive one-two good spells of rains in December 2013.
India is world’s second-biggest wheat grower.
“As of now, rabi (winter) crop prospect is very good. Weather condition, soil moisture and water levels in reservoirs is better and ideal for wheat and other rabi crops. If weather condition remains good throughout, wheat production should be a record this year,” Bahuguna added.
According to official data, wheat has been sown in 4.15 lakh ha till last week, as against 83,000 ha in the same period last year. Total area sown for all rabi crops has also increased to 65 lakh hectares, which is three times higher than achieved during the same period of last year.
Wheat is a major Rabi crop sowing of which begins from October end and harvesting from April.
Bahuguna said, “There will be more area under wheat and other crops. Yields are also expected to be better with adoption of better varieties. But we have to see weather condition in March, which would be crucial for wheat crop.”
