India achieves 241 MT foodgrain production in 2010-11

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the country has achieved a record foodgrain production of 241 million tonnes (MT) in 2010-11 crop year but stressed on ushering in a second Green Revolution to meet the mounting future domestic foodgrain demands.

 

"Production of major crops has been at record levels in the year just over. An estimated total production of 241 million tonnes in 2010-11 was achieved because of record production of wheat, maize and pulses.

Oilseed production also set a new record," the PM said, while delivering speech at an ICAR function in New Delhi on Saturday.

The estimated 241 MT foodgrain production is higher by 5 MT as announced by the Agriculture Ministry in its third estimate. It is also higher by 23 MT as compared to previous crop year 2009-10.

Crop year runs from July to June.

He said the record foodgrain production has been achieved because of hard work of the farmers and scientists.

But, Dr Singh emphasised that the country needs a second green revolution to further accelerate agri growth and achieve self-sufficiency in food.

He said the total demand for foodgrains of the country is projected to touch 281 MT by 2020-21.

"Meeting this demand will necessitate a growth rate of nearly 2 per cent per annum in foodgrain production," the PM said.

Stating that the country was spending about 0.6 per cent of its agriculture GDP on agricultural research and development at present, he said this needs to be enhanced by 2-3 times by 2020.

"India needs a second green revolution that is broad-based, inclusive and sustainable," Dr Singh said.

Govt lifts ban on wheat exports: Pawar

The government has decided to lift the over four-year-old ban on wheat exports, even as shipment of the grain is not viable at current global prices.

The government had banned wheat exports since early 2007 to boost domestic supply and contain inflation.

"Yes, there is no ban. Wheat exports are allowed," Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar told reporters on the sidelines of an ICAR function in New Delhi.

The government has not announced the quantity of wheat allowed for exports as global prices are very low, he said.

Recently, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee headed Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on Food, in which Pawar is also a member, had given in-principal approval to lift the ban on wheat exports in the wake of overflowing stocks.

At present, the government godowns have bulging wheat stock of 37.8 million tonnes (MT) in view of bumper output.