Foodgrains output to fall by 10 pc: Pawar

Country's foodgrains production is projected to decline by 10 per cent in the kharif season of this year at 117.18 million tonnes due to deficient monsoon and drought in some states.

However, the government expects to make up for the decline in output during the Rabi season (winter sown crop).

Foodgrains output stood at 129.94 million tonnes (MT)in last year's Kharif season. The production of rice -- a major Kharif crop -- is expected to fall to 85.59 MT compared with 91.53 MT in the last Kharif (summer crops).

"As per the first advance estimate, total foodgrains production is expected at 117.18 million tonnes in the kharif season of 2012-13 crop year, lower than the last year but higher than the average production of 113 million tonnes in the last five years," Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar told reporters here.

"Whatever shortfall we have seen in kharif season will be covered in rabi," the minister said.

Pulses production is estimated at 5.26 MT in Kharif this year against 6.16 MT during the year ago period, he said, adding the production of coarse cereals is estimated to fall to 26.33 MT from 32.26 MT.

Deficiency of monsoon stands at 5 per cent so far. Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan have declared drought in over 390 taluks.

Asked if fall in foodgrains output will impact prices, Pawar said: "Last year's stock position of wheat and rice is extremely good. There is no problem. I am worried prices of wheat, atta and sugar are going up in the market. I do not understand the reason because we have good crop".

Pawar said he would speak to the Consumer Affairs Minister on this issue. "More quantity of sugar and wheat need to be released in the market to check prices".