Continuous rain and floods in different parts of the country are forcing revision of kharif crop estimates for the current crop year that began in July.
According to the National Collateral Management Services Ltd (NCML), kharif foodgrain production is likely to increase by 7.71 per cent at 134.53 million tonnes (mt).
This is against the earlier estimate of 135 mt by NCML, which provides commodity and risk management services across the country.
The National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange is among the various stake holders of the services firm.
Production is expected to be lower as yield in some areas could be lower, NCML said in a press release. While the area under rice and its production is set to rise by about five per cent, production of coarse cereals ragi, jowar and bajra could increase by 30 per cent. Oilseeds output may increased 16.47 per cent with groundnut production rising over 50 per cent compared with last year. However, cash crops such as sugarcane and cotton are likely to witness a drop in production.
subramani.mancombu@thehindu.co.in