The Junior Farm Minister KV Thomas said on Tuesday that while rising food prices are a cause of worry, the prospects for winter-crop sowing were good.

"We are worried about rising food prices due to a shortfall in summer foodgrain production," Thomas told reporters.

India's food prices rose 13.39% in the 12 months to October 24, highlighting concerns that the index could stay high despite government efforts to keep a lid on prices.

India's summer-sown food crops, particularly rice, were hit this year by the worst monsoon in 37 years, which has pushed up food prices.