'Delayed harvesting to have positive impact on wheat yield'

The government today said delayed harvesting of wheat in some states would not be a setback and rather have a positive impact on yield, while pegging the foodgrain production for 2006-07 at 72.5 million tonne.

"If it (wheat crop harvesting) is delayed, productivity may go up slightly.... Since it got delayed due to climatic conditions, it will have a positive impact on yield," Agriculture Secretary P K Mishra told reporters on the sidelines of a meet to discuss the preparedness for the coming Kharif sowing season. He was replying to a query on the impact of delayed harvesting in Haryana, Punjab and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. Mishra said the government was confident of achieving the wheat production of 72.5 million tonne and added the condition of wheat crop was very good.

He said as of now the government stands by the second advance estimate of 72.5 million tonne despite heavy rains and hailstorms last month, and would firm up the figure after assessing the situation with states during the two-day meet.