India likely to harvest record 107 mn tonnes rice in 2013-14: IGC

NEW DELHI: Rice output is expected to touch a new record of 107 million tonnes in 2013-14 crop year, while exports are expected to dip by almost 10 per cent to 8.5 million tonnes in the same period, according to IGC.

The world's second largest rice producer is estimated to have harvested 104.4 million tonnes in 2012-13 crop year (July-June). It had reached a record 105.30 million tonnes of the grain output in 2011-12.

In the latest report, the International Grains Council has projected India's rice production to touch a new record at 107 million tonnes in 2013-14, against the demand of 97.9 million tonnes for the same period.

With an opening stock 22.9 million tonnes, total supply of the grain has been projected at 129.9 million tonnes this year, it said.

On rice exports, IGC said the country may export 8.5 million tonnes in 2013-14, down by almost 10 per cent from 9.4 million tonnes shipments made in the last year.

The report highlighted that Indian exporters have gained market share following the removal of the ban on shipments of non-basmati rice at the end of 2011, also reflecting competitive pricing relative to the main exporters.

The country is bracing for record rice output as area sown to paddy has increased so far buoyed by a good monsoon.

According to Agriculture Ministry data, area planted under paddy has increased to 35.46 million hectare till last month of the ongoing kharif season, as against 34.47 million hectare in the same period last year.

The kharif season begins with the onset of southwest monsoon from June. Much of the rice output is grown in the Kharif season, while the rest 15-20 per cent of the produce comes from rabi (winter) season.