The country’s overall rice production is unlikely to slip below the level of 100 million tonnes this year despite some impact on the kharif crop in few states due to rains following ‘Hudhud’ cyclone, a top government official said.
Rice production stood at a record 106.54 million tonnes in the 2013-14 crop year (July-June). The government is aiming to achieve 106 million tonnes this year. Currently, the kharif (summer) rice is ready for harvest.
“Overall rice production will definitely be below last year’s level but it should not fall below 100 million tonnes,” Agriculture Secretary Ashish Bahuguna said.
The kharif rice contributes more than 80 per cent of the total rice production. The government has projected lower kharif output of 88.02 million tonnes for this year taking into account the deficient monsoon rains.
Now that the kharif crop is ready for harvest, the recent cyclone ‘Hudhud’ has affected the crop not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in other states, resulting in possible further drop in overall rice production.
Asked about impact of cyclone on kharif rice crop, Mr. Bahuguna said: “There will be some damage not only in Andhra Pradesh, but in others states like Odisha, Chattigarh and Jharkhand as well.”
Rainfall due to cyclone in some places will boost prospects of late sown crop, while in some places it will damage the crop. “However, we are yet to make the assessment. We expect we will make up from improved yields,” he said.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has also pegged India’s rice production this year to be at 100 million tonnes, which includes 87 million tonnes of kharif rice and 13 million tonnes of rabi rice.
“Continued deficient rains and ‘normal’ cyclones in eastern coast during October/November could further affect the harvest of kharif rice and planting prospects for the upcoming rabi rice,” the USDA had said in its latest report.
