Wheat crop in good condition; govt's wheat procurement to be normal: FCI MD

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Wheat crop is in good condition and the government's procurement would be normal at 300-400 lakh tonne in the 2023-24 marketing year starting March, FCI Chairman and Managing Director Ashok K Meena said on Thursday.

"Area sown to wheat is higher than last year. The current condition of wheat crop is very good. Our procurement should be normal at 300-400 lakh tonne in 2023-24," Meena said in a press conference.

The wheat procurement had declined last year due to a fall in domestic production and higher exports, he said.

Asked whether there would be any impact on wheat crop due to rise in temperature, as forecast by the Met Department, Meena said it is unlikely to have any impact and the short duration crop will not be affected.

The government has projected a record wheat production at 112.18 million tonne in the 2023-24 crop year (July-June) as per the second estimate of the agriculture ministry.

Last year, wheat procurement for the central pool had declined to 187.92 lakh tonne from 433.44 lakh tonne in the 2021-22 marketing year, as per the official data.

FCI (Food Corporation of India) is the government's nodal agency that undertakes procurement and distribution of foodgrains for the PDS and welfare schemes.

The procurement of wheat will begin from March 15 onwards.

Heatwave spectre hangs over wheat harvest

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday reiterated that Northwest, Central, and East India are predicted to record maximum temperatures three to five degrees above normal over the next five days. 

Many parts of the country are already recording temperatures that are usually logged in the first week of March. 

This has fuelled concern about an intense summer and heatwaves this year. Weathermen also said that the mercury may soar to 40 degrees Celsius and above in one or two meteorological subdivisions of Northwest India in the first half of March.

“This higher day temperature might lead to an adverse effect on wheat. Since the crop is approaching the reproductive growth period, it is sensitive to temperature,” the Met said. 

“This higher day temperature might lead to an adverse effect on wheat. Since the crop is approaching the reproductive growth period, it is sensitive to temperature,” the Met said.

High temperatures during the flowering and maturing periods lead to a loss in yield.

There could be a similar impact on other standing crops and horticulture, it affirmed. The IMD said farmers could opt for light irrigation if the crop appears to be under stress.

Agencies