Foodgrain production to fall 7% due to poor monsoon rains

NEW DELHI: India's foodgrain production is projected to drop by 7 per cent to about 120 million tonnes in this year due to poor monsoon rains.

Foodgrain production stood at 129.24 million tonnes in the kharif season of the 2013-14 crop year (July-June).

"...coverage in sowing position is as per average of last five years and is only 3 per cent lower than the situation of last year. With improved rainfall, it is estimated that kharif foodgrain production will be approximately 120 million tonnes," an official statement said.

In Kharif (summer) season, paddy is the main crop. Rainfall deficit has narrowed down to 12 per cent now from 43 per cent in June this year. Improved rains during August boosted the sowing operation.