Record grain output likely on good rain in Jul, Aug: Pawar
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said that a record foodgrain output was likely if the good rain in July and August happens as projected. He also said that sufficient seeds will be provided by the centre and the states.
July 16, 2013 / 18:10 IST
The country will achieve record foodgrain production in kharif season this year if monsoon continues to be good in July and August as projected by the weather office, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said today.
The Met Department has projected good monsoon in July and August for the entire country, including North-east region which has received deficient rain, he added.Also read: After killer floods, monsoons threaten other parts of India"By and large, the monsoon is quite encouraging. Because of good monsoon, farmers have taken initiatives for sowing operations. Sufficient seeds were provided by the Centre and states. That's why, the area this year so far is higher as compared to last year," Pawar said. The sowing operations generally continue till August and the final picture would be known only after that. "If this (monsoon) situation continues, the trend definitely showing the foodgrains production will break last two years record. It is very encouraging," he said.For the kharif season, all-time high foodgrains output was at 131.27 million tonnes in 2011-12. However, the output fell in kharif last year because of drought in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.So far, sowing area under kharif season is 52 percent higher at 517.65 lakh hectare as against 341.49 lakh hectares in the year-ago period.Pawar said the monsoon situation is not good in North East compared to other parts of the country, but said rice production would not be affected."I was briefed by the Met Department, rain during whole of July and August will be good for entire country, including the North-east," he said, adding that Met Department expects rainfall of 105 percent plus and minus five percent in July and August.On imposition of import duty on pulses, Pawar said: "We are not accepting the proposal of CACP." The Food Ministry is in favour of a 7.5 percent import duty on pulses as against 10 percent suggested by the Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) to boost domestic production.Asked about whether exports will continue in view of of food law, Pawar said: "As of now, stock position is extremely good. Unless we export, there will be problem, there will be damage. That's why we have to export. Whatever requirement of foodgrains estimated for food security, has been kept safely". Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
