Improved prospects

Post-harvest losses must be minimised

The India Meteorological Department has reiterated the country will get above-normal rain this year. Since the rainfed regions are also expected to get good rain, this factor will help boost agricultural production. Higher production will naturally help contain the food inflation rate. It is worth noting, while the core inflation rate, based on the consumer price index, is running below 4 per cent, higher food prices are keeping the headline rate above the central bank’s target. The food inflation rate in April, for instance, was 8.7 per cent. In the context of inflation management, while improved food production should help