Centre ups wheat estimates, prices could ease

The third advanced estimates for agricultural production has revised the wheat production estimates to 73.7 million tonnes up from 72.5 million tonnes projected in the second advance estimates early this year.

The third advanced estimates for agricultural production has revised the wheat production estimates to 73.7 million tonnes up from 72.5 million tonnes projected in the second advance estimates early this year.

The third advanced estimates were released by the Union Agriculture Secretary, P K Mishra, here today. This growth in production will result in more wheat available in the market and is likely to reduce the rising prices.

According to the estimates, the projected wheat production this year is up by 6.3 per cent from 69.35 million tonnes last year to estimated 73.7 million tonnes this year. With the growth in wheat production, the area under cultivation has also increased from 26.4 million hectares last year to 28.1 million hectares this year. Major contributions from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have increased wheat production.

However, the production of oilseeds is estimated to go down by about 17 per cent to 23.26 million tonnes as against the production of 27.98 million tonnes last year. While the total pulses production is estimated to go up by 5.3 per cent, the Tur arhar production is estimated to go down by more than 8 per cent from 2.74 million tonnes last year to an estimated 2.51 million tonnes in 2006-07.

Compared to last year, the wheat production in Punjab has remained the same at about 14.5 million tonnes, while in UP it has jumped from 24 million tonnes to 25.5 million tonnes. Also Haryana and Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a rise in production by 0.8 million tonnes and 0.7 million tonnes respectively.

8220;The estimated increase in wheat production has been possible because of the increased area under wheat and conducive weather condition this year. Through regular interventions by

the state governments to ensure timely sowing, proper seed treatments, and increased extension work that has also contributed to the rise in wheat production8221;, said Mishra.

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Earlier, the second estimates had projected the wheat production at 72.5 million tonnes, which had also come under suspicion after the recent weather damaged the crop at some places in the country. But, Mishra said despite some damages in Punjab and some other states, the weather in general has contributed to the over all yield.

Releasing the third advanced estimates after the two-day national Kharif Conference-2007, Mishra said that states have been urged to focus on areas of food security related cereals, pulses, and horticulture for the agricultural growth in their respective states.

The states have also agreed to tackle the strategic issues by strengthening extension services and improving the system to augment the supply of crop inputs like seeds and fertilisers to the farmers.