First advance estimate of farm output deferred

The government has deferred the release of the first advance estimate of farm production in the 2009-10 Kharif season, after drought in about half the country jeopardised the fate of most summer-sown crops.

While the estimate is usually released just after the Rabi Conference in September, the projection has been delayed this year though the two-day seminar, meant to form strategy for different crops during the coming Rabi season, was over on September 25. Last year, it was released in September.

On its part, the Centre has passed the buck to some states for not being able to submit details of the expected output in time this year because of drought.

"The estimate is delayed as drought-affected states have not been able to provide figures in time," Agriculture Secretary T Nanda Kumar said.

Echoing similar view, Agriculture Commissioner N B Singh said the Centre is waiting for the final data from some states.

An official source said the first estimate is unlikely to be released before the first week of October.

The Centre releases four advance estimates of farm production in different time of each year apart from providing a final projection.

The first advance estimate assumes importance as most of the summer-sown crops, mainly paddy, have been adversely affected due to drought this year.