Agriculture Ministry Estimates Record-Breaking Growth of Major Crops

The Union Agriculture Ministry has released the "third advance estimates of production of major crops," predicting a record harvest of several agricultural commodities in India.

According to the estimates, the country is projected to achieve a foodgrain production of 3,305.34 lakh tonnes in the current agricultural year. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, attributed this growth to the efforts of farmers, the capabilities of researchers, and the farmer-friendly policies implemented by the government. The assessments are based on feedback received from the states.

The projected production for various foodgrains includes 1,355.42 lakh tonnes of rice, 1,127.43 lakh tonnes of wheat, 111.66 lakh tonnes of bajra, 547.48 lakh tonnes of coarse cereals, and 359.13 lakh tonnes of maize.

In comparison to the previous year, the expected increase in rice production is 60.71 lakh tonnes and in wheat production is 50.01 lakh tonnes, contributing to an overall foodgrain production increase of 149.18 lakh tonnes.

Additionally, the estimated pulse production is 275.04 lakh tonnes, with moong production expected to reach 37.40 lakh tonnes, representing a 5.74 lakh tonne increase from the previous year.

Soybean, rapeseed and mustard production is projected to be 149.76 lakh tonnes and 124.94 lakh tonnes, respectively, reflecting a growth of 19.89 lakh tonnes and 5.31 lakh tonnes compared to 2021-22.

The total oilseed production for 2022-23 is estimated at a record 409.96 lakh tonnes, surpassing the previous year's production by 30.33 lakh tonnes.

Sugar cane production is also set to reach a record level of 4,942.28 lakh tonnes, indicating a 548.03 lakh tonne increase from the previous year.

Cotton Production

Cotton production is estimated at 343.47 lakh bales (170 kg each), while jute and mesta production is projected to be 94.94 lakh bales (180 kg each).

The government's targets for rice and wheat production are 1,305 lakh tonnes and 1,120 lakh tonnes, respectively. The targets for pulses and oilseeds are set at 295.20 lakh tonnes and 413.45 lakh tonnes, respectively.