Rice output to fall by 10 million tonnes this monsoon

Rice production in India is likely to decline by 1 crore (10 million) tonnes due to failed monsoon. Sharad said this while addressing the State Food Ministeres in New Delhi, today (Wednesday 19-Aug-2009).

The cummulative rainfall this monsoon season is 29% below average.

"This shortfall in monsoon may result in shortfall in area coverage of paddy by about 5.7 million hectares compared to last year and production of rice may be reduced by 10 million tonnes."

Sharad Pawar
Minister of Food and
Agriculture

The minister said that some shortfall is also expected in the production of oilseeds and sugarcane.