Kharif foodgrains output estimated at 129.32 mt

India’s foodgrains production is projected to increase marginally in the kharif (summer) season this year to 129.32 million tonnes after more than half of the country received normal monsoon rains.

“Total foodgrains production in the kharif season of the 2013-14 crop year is definitely expected to be higher than last year’s level at 129.32 mt,” Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar told PTI.

Foodgrains output stood at 128.2 mt during last year. Sowing of the kharif crop starts with the southwest monsoon in June and harvesting from October.

The initial estimate falls short of the target of 130.5 mt. Rice, pulses, cotton, maize and soyabean are the major kharif crops.

Pawar said production of paddy, the main kharif crop, is projected to exceed last year’s level of 92.76 mt as good monsoon rainfall has boosted the acreage and crop prospects. He didn’t give an output estimate for paddy.