Food grain production in Tamil Nadu to surpass 100 lakh MT in FY14

This, despite the state facing a shortfall of 33% in North-East monsoon rains

Despite Tamil Nadu facing a shortfall of 33% in the North-East monsoon rains, the food grain production is expected to surpass 100 lakh metric tonnes in 2013-2014.

Inclusive growth is not possible without achieving a substantial increase in the income of the people engaged in the primary sector, said Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah in his customary address at the State Assembly today.

“This Government lays special emphasis on improving the production and productivity of agricultural crops by adopting strategies like disseminating high-end technologies, popularising micro-irrigation and promoting farm mechanisation,” said the Governor.

He added, investments are being made in developing the post-harvest and market infrastructure and innovative approaches are being followed to promote the cultivation of high value crops including fruits and vegetables.

The State has has fixed the Minimum Support Price for paddy at Rs 1,360 per quintal and Rs 1,415 per quintal for common and fine varieties respectively during 2013-2014 Kharif season, much above the Minimum Support Price of Rs 1,310 and Rs 1,345 fixed by the Government of India.

Similarly, the State has fixed the State Advised Price for sugarcane at Rs 2,650 per MT, inclusive of Rs 100 per MT for transportation cost, even though the Government of India fixed the Fair and Remunerative Price only at Rs 2,100 per MT for the current year.