The country’s food grain production is poised to cross 260 million tonnes to achieve a record production for a third consecutive year.Speaking exclusively to Prasar Bharti this morning, Agriculture Secretary Ashish Bahuguna said, with predictions of normal monsoon food grain production this year is extremely hopeful of surpassing last year’ achievement of 259.32 Million tonnes.
The country so far has acheived 255.36 million tonne food grain production despite deficient and erratic rains in 2012-13.
Mr. Bahuguna said, Indian Agriculture has grown certain resilience against vagaries of nature and the good track record reflects the strength of farming sector to perform in the face of adversities. Two droughts were experienced in 2009 and 2010, the rainfall was deficient in 2012-13 as well. He said, with the new initiatives taken by the UPA Government, constant rise in minimum support prices of major food grains and likely good monsoon, there is no reason the country should not surpass its previous food grain production records.
Mr. Bahuguna also said, his department reviewed the preparedness for the ensuing Kaharif season.