3 Rabi crops witness record high production in 2020-21: Government

With production of at least three rabi crops — wheat, gram, and rapeseed and mustard — projected to hit new highs in crop year 2020-21, the government will face procurement challenges.

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare announced the 2nd Advance Projections of Foodgrains Production for 2020-21, which pegged wheat production at an all-time high of 109.24 million tonnes during the current crop year (July-June), up 1.28 percent from the previous high of 107.86 million tonnes in 2019-20. The output of gram is forecast to be 11.62 million tonnes, up from 11 million the previous year.

In the current crop year, rapeseed and mustard production is forecast to hit 10.42 million tonnes. The previous record was set last year (9.36 million tonnes). According to the ministry, gross foodgrain production will hit an all-time high of 303.34 million tonnes, up 1.96 percent from the previous year's total of 297.5 million tonnes.

The second advance forecasts of major crop production show a record production of 303.34 million tonnes of food grains, showcasing farmers' tireless efforts, agricultural scientists' research, and the Central Government's farmer-friendly policies.

In the long run, all-around agricultural reforms will also help the country,” the Ministry said in a statement. Rice production is forecast to hit a new peak of 120.32 million tonnes in 2020-21, according to the survey.

The overall output of pulses is projected to be 24.42 million tonnes this year. The cumulative oilseeds production in the country is forecast to hit a new peak of 37.31 million tonnes in 2020-21, up 4.09 million tonnes from 2019-20, according to the Ministry.

In 2020-21, sugarcane production is projected to hit 397.66 million tonnes. Cotton production is forecast to cross 36.54 million bales (each weighing 170 kg) in 2020-21, according to the ministry.