India’s kharif output of pulses is expected at 8.22 million tonnes, higher than the target of 7.25 million tonnes. In May, based on the forecast of a good monsoon, the Centre set a target of producing 270.1 million tonnes of foodgrains in 2016-17. “Central agencies will directly procure from farmers so that they don’t lose interest in pulses during the winter crop season,” Pattanayak said. At 16.5 million tonnes, production dipped by over 14%, compared to the 19.25 million tonnes production achieved in 2013-14, the highest ever till date. Malhotra added that the well distributed monsoon portends well for the upcoming Rabi or winter crop.

Source: Mint September 15, 2016 11:48 UTC