New Delhi, Jun 5 (KNN) The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the Third Advance Estimates of major crops for 2023-24, showing an increase in total foodgrain production compared to the 5-year average, though slightly lower than last year.

As per the estimates, total foodgrain production for 2023-24 is pegged at 328.52 million metric tonnes (MMT), which is 2.11 MMT higher than the average of 307.52 MMT over the previous 5 years from 2018-19 to 2022-23. However, it is marginally lower than the 329.57 MMT produced in 2022-23.

The estimates cover Kharif, Rabi and the summer crop seasons. Rice production is estimated at 136.7 MMT, up 0.95 MMT from last year, while wheat output is projected at 112.93 MMT, an increase of 2.37 MMT year-on-year.

Other coarse cereals production is estimated at 54.73 MMT, 4.62 MMT higher than the 5-year average. Pulses output is projected to increase, with tur (pigeon pea) at 3.39 MMT and lentils at 1.75 MMT.

In cash crops, soybean production is pegged at 13.05 MMT, while rapeseed and mustard output is estimated at 13.16 MMT, up 0.52 MMT from last year.

Cotton production is projected at 32.52 million bales (of 170 kg each) and sugarcane at 442.52 MMT.

The Third Advance Estimates incorporate yield data from the re-engineered Digital General Crop Estimation Survey rolled out in 16 states for the Rabi season.

(KNN Bureau)