Kharif grain production pegged at a record 141.59 million tonnes in 2018-19

Bumper output projected despite several parts of Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern UP experiencing drought-like conditions in the initial months of the southwest monsoon season

India's kharif grain production in the 2018-19 crop year, which started in June, is projected to touch an all-time high of 141.59 million tonnes (mt), up 0.6 per cent more than last year, despite an almost 10 per cent shortfall in monsoon as the rains were well-distributed and timely.   

According to the first advanced estimate of 2018-19 kharif crops, rice production is estimated to be 99.24 mt, which is 1.79 per cent more than the kharif production of 2017-18.

The 2017-18 production was as per the fourth advanced estimate. 

The bumper output has been projected despite several parts of