Muristek
New Delhi, April 19
With India maintaining an increasing trend in foodgrain production since 2015-16, the government today set the target for the 2022-23 at a record 328 million tonnes for the 2022-23 on the back of good monsoon.
The figure is 3.8 per cent higher compared with the previous year's output.
According to the second advance estimate of the Agriculture Ministry, foodgrain production is estimated at a record 316.06 MT in the 2021-22 crop year that ends in June.
The target was set at the National Conference for Kharif Campaign 2022 to review the progress of the rabi season and plan for kharif crops, with officials saying forecast of normal monsoon this year augured well sowing of crops such as rice.
Addressing the conference, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Centre and states would work together to ensure that pesticides and seed were available to farmers so that input costs were reduced.
"All states should work towards crop diversification for making agriculture sustainable, profitable and self-sufficient in deficit commodities," he said.
India's exports of agricultural products have grown by 19.92 per cent during 2021-22 to touch $50.21 billion (Rs 3,76,575 crore), officials say.
The minister said while agricultural exports have increased, attention should be paid on quality so that they could compete in the international markets.