India's Wheat Production Remains Intact at Record High: Agri Min

New Delhi, May 12 (PTI) India's wheat production remains intact at a record 115.3 million tonnes this year, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said, asserting that the second advance estimate is unlikely to be impacted by any weather incidents.

During a weekly review of agricultural activities, Chouhan highlighted that the wheat crop has nearly completed its maturity stage across all growing states.

"The heat wave or high temperatures will actually expedite the harvesting process. Thus, the second advance estimates are unlikely to be impacted..." an official statement quoted the minister as saying.

The agriculture ministry's second estimate, released in March, projected a record wheat output of 115.3 million tonnes for 2024-25 -- approximately 2 per cent higher than the previous year's 113.3 million tonnes.

Wheat harvesting has been fully completed in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, with partial harvesting remaining in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar as of May 2.

The minister said that food stock in the central pool is at a "satisfactory" level, exceeding buffer requirements.

To date, wheat stock has reached 177.08 lakh tonne, higher than the buffer requirement of 74.60 lakh tonne. Similarly, rice stock has reached 389.05 lakh tonne against the buffer norm of 135.80 lakh tonne, the statement added.

The minister also took stock of the progress of sowing of Zaid crops, which are short-duration summer crops that are grown between and during the Rabi and Kharif seasons, generally between March through June.

As of May 2, area sown to paddy has increased to 32.02 lakh hectare from 28.57 lakh hectare in the year-ago period, while pulses acreage increased to 20.67 lakh hectare from 18.47 lakh hectare.

The area of moong and urad has also increased, the statement added.

Chouhan also emphasised the procurement of key pulses like tur, urad, gram, and lentils, directing officials to ensure timely support price payments to farmers.

"Sowing time is still available for tomato, onion, and other crops. Given the current good market prices, we expect to achieve normal area coverage," the statement said.

Officials reported favourable weather and reservoir conditions across the country, supporting agricultural prospects for the current season.