Kharif foodgrains production estimated at record 141.59 million tonnes

India's foodgrains production is estimated at a record 141.59 million tonnes (MT) in the kharif season of 2018-19 crop year, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said Wednesday.

The country had produced 140.73 MT foodgrains in the kharif season of 2017-18 crop year (July-June).

The minister released the first advance estimates of foodgrains production for kharif (summer-sown) season for 2018-19 crop year.

Singh tweeted that the country has achieved record foodgrains production in Kharif season at 141.59 MT.

"The country witnesses foodgrain production estimated at 141.59 MT, an increase of 11.94 MT against 129.65 MT average production during 2012-17," he tweeted.

As per the data shared by the minister, rice output is estimated at record 99.24 MT, oilseeds 22.19 MT, maize 21.47 MT and sugarcane 383.89 MT.

Rice production stood at 97.5 MT in last year's kharif season, while oilseeds output was 20.99 MT. Sugarcane production stood at 376.9 MT.

The sowing operation of kharif crops begins with onset of monsoon and harvesting starts from mid-September. Paddy, maize and soyabean are major kharif crops.