India's Farm Ministry on Wednesday raised by just over a million tonnes its 2007 wheat production estimate to 73.70 million tonnes but some traders questioned the figures. The world's second-largest producer of the grain, India harvested 69.48 million tonnes in 2006.
"Weather conditions have been exceptionally good, specially in February and March. Congenial weather helped to raise the wheat output forecast," Farm Secretary P.K. Mishra told reporters. The area used to cultivate wheat this year was 28.1 million hectares, up from 26.4 million hectares last year. The government had earlier estimated wheat output this year at about 72.5 million tonnes.
India was forced to import wheat for the first time in six years last year after hot weather in February shrunk the crop. Some traders were surprised by the official figures and said the crop would only be a little better than in 2006.
"Maybe it could go up slightly more to 70 million tonnes, but I don't think there will be a jump," said a Mumbai-based commodities trader with an international firm.
"There was also some hailstorm and rain in February and March and that has also caused some damage," he said. The Farm Ministry also said total grains output during 2006/207 would rise to 211.78 million tonnes from 208.6 million tonnes a year ago. Oilseeds output was seen lower at 23.26 million tonnes from 27.98 million tonnes in 2006.
Comments
Comments are closed.