Wheat output was at a record high of 86.87 million tonnes last year also. The overall foodgrains output is also estimated to exceed the target of 245 million tonnes and touch a record 250.42 million tonnes, according to the second advance crop estimate for 2011-12 released by the Agriculture Ministry today.
The foodgrains output was at 244.78 million tonnes in 2010-11. This is the second-straight year of a record foodgrains production, boosting the government`s plan for implementing the Food Security Bill, that aims to provide cheaper grains to the poor.
Out of total foodgrains output, rice production is estimated to increase to 102.75 million tonnes this year, as against 95.98 million tonnes last year. However, pulses production is estimated to be lower at 17.28 million tonnes this year, as against 18.24 million tonnes last year.
Similarly, oilseed production is estimated to fall to 30.52 million tonnes from 32.47 million tonnes in the reviewed period. In the cash crop basket, cotton production is estimated to be a record 34.08 million bales (of 170 kg each), as compared with 33 million bales last year.
Jute output is estimated to 11.61 million bales (of 180 kg each) in 2011-12 as against 10.6 million bales last year.
Sugarcane production is expected to be higher at 347.86 million tonnes as against 342.38 million tonnes last year.