USDA pegs India's 2010 rice output at 99 mn tn

Ahead of the summer-sown paddy's harvesting season, starting next month, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has estimated India's rice output at 99 million tonnes, close to the 2008 level.

Rice output in India, the world's second biggest producer, is seen higher than last year at 99 million tonnes but almost near the 2008 level of 99.18 million tonnes, the USDA said in its latest grain report.

Last year, rice production had dipped to 89.13 million tonnes owing to severe drought, it said.

Rice, when it is still covered by the brown hull is known as paddy, is cultivated twice a year during summer (Kharif) and winter (Rabi). The country's 80 per cent of rice requirement is grown in the Kharif season and currently the crop is ready. Its harvesting begins next month.

While sowing of winter (Rabi) crop of paddy will begin from October, this year.

Recently, Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had expressed confidence about the bumper harvest of foodgrain crop in the 2010-11. He had said that rice production would be better than last year despite deficient rainfall in West Bengal, Jaharkhand and Bihar.

According to USDA estimates, India's production of wheat, sowing of which will start from next month, is seen to be higher at 80.7 million tonnes in 2010-11, against 80.58 million tonnes in 2009-10.

Similarly, corn production is also expected to be at 20 million tonnes this year, against 19.73 million tonnes last year. While that of barley output is seen to be lower at 1.3 million tonnes this year, against 2 million tonnes last year, it said. 

The US body on agriculture announces the forecast on foodgrain crops of major growing countries on a regular basis. It estimates global supply and demand situation of foodgrains besides trade issues.