Latest data released by the Agriculture Ministry revealed that the food grain production stood less than that of the previous year. Kharif food grain production in 2019-20 estimated to be low at 140.57 million tonnes compared to 141.71 MT of 2018-19. However, cash crop production to be higher than previous year.
Production Statistics
Low output is majorly due to the decrease in the production of Pulses, Rice and other coarse grains. The total output of rice, as per the First Advance Estimates of agriculture ministry, is 100.35 million tonnes. The production of Pulses summed up to 8.23 million tonnes as against 8.59 million tonnes of the previous year. The coarse grains contributed 32 million tonnes to the total production compared to 30.99 MT in 2018-19. The government had set a target of 285.2 million tonnes of food grain production including Rabi crop this year.
Cash Crop Production Higher
The cash crop production estimated to be greater than the previous year. Cotton production in 2019-20 estimated to be 32.27 million bales of 170 kg which is higher than 28.71 million bales in 2108-19. The production estimate of sugarcane at 377.77 million tonnes being higher than fiver year average production of 349.78 million tonnes. Jute and Mesta output was estimated at 9.96 million bales (of 180 kg each) which is also higher than the previous year’s production.
The oil seed production, which includes groundnut and soybean during 2019-20, estimated at 22.39 million slightly higher than 21.28 MT production of 2018-19.
Kharif Harvest Festival
India celebrates the kharif harvest season as a festival. With harvest comes hope in the farmers eyes for outcome of their hard work. Not only the farmers but the government also looks forward to increasing grain production every year. To feed growing population of the country and maintaining prosperity. Increase in income to farmers, sufficiency in food grains and increased agricultural export are priority for every Government.
In conclusion, the total production of crops in 2019-20 is higher as compared to the average production of the last five years. However, the government failed to achieve its kharif food grain production target.