The production of wheat in the country is expected to surpass last year’s level of 88.94 million tonnes (MT) on account of favourable cold weather conditions despite low acreage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a stable weather till March which indicates that there will be a boost in crop yields. This increase in yield will be despite the fact that total area sown to wheat being slightly lower than 2014-15 crop year (July-June).
The sowing of wheat has almost been completed in major growing states and despite facing severe drought in 10 states the total wheat coverage is down by only 4.38% at 29.25 million hectare this year. The output of wheat last year had declined to 88.94 MT from a record 95.85 MT achieved in the previous year because of drought and unseasonal rains.
Sowing of rabi (winter) crops like wheat began from October. Rabi crops have been under pressure due to dry winter following two consecutive drought years, raising concerns over production levels.