Production of most crops is expected to be higher than normal due to the above-average rainfall this year

The output of Kharif crop is likely to hit a record 144.5 million tones as it reaped the benefits of intense monsoon. The assessment records marginally higher than the 143.4 million tonnes produced during the kharif season of 2019-20, reveals the first advance estimates by the agriculture ministry on Tuesday.

The rise in foodgrain yield is mostly due to higher estimated production of pulses at 9.3 million tonnes, up 20% year-on-year from 7.7 million tonnes last year. However, production of coarse grains is recorded to fall by 2.7% to 32.8 million tonnes, while production of rice (main crop) is estimated at 102.4 million tonnes, marginally increased than previous year, as per a report published by LiveMint.\

It further reported that the production of non-food crops namely oilseeds and soyabean is estimated at 25.7 million tonnes (up by 15% from the year-ago) and 13.6 million tonnes with 21% growth, respectively. Output of Groundnut is also expected at 9.5 million tonnes, with an increase of 14.5%.

In addition, sugarcane production is reckoned to grow by 12% to 400 million tonnes, while cotton is likely at 37.1 million bales (one bale equals 170 kg), a 4.5% increase year-on-year.

Moreover, as of now, the monsoon season between June to September has seen a surplus of 8% in relation to the 50-year average.