New Delhi, Sep 26 (UNI) Kharif production this year is estimated to be 141.59 million tonnes which is marginally higher than last year’s marketing season (2017-18) output of 140.73 million tonnes although production of coarse cereals and pulses is expected to be slightly lower.
As per the first advance estimates released by the Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ministry here on Wednesday, rice production at 99.24 million tonnes is 1.74 million tonnes higher than last year.
The expected output of coarse cereals, however, is likely to decline to 33.13 million tonnes compared to 33.89 million tonnes last year owing to slow spread of monsoon in parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Pulses’ output is also likely to be lower at 9.22 million tonnes as against 9.34 million tonnes last year.
Sugarcane production is expected to be higher this year at 383.89 million tonnes as against 376.90 million tonnes last year, as also oilseeds output at 22.19 million tonnes compared to 21 million tonnes in 2017-18.
The estimated production of kharif cotton is 32.48 million bales (of 170 kg each) and jute and mesta at 10.17 million bales (of 180 kg each).
UNI GP