Wheat production in India is expected to pass the 86 million tonnes mark to set a new record in the ongoing 2011-12 crop year. The India Times reported that a good monsoon and a likely rise in support prices has spurred Indian production on. image expired

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today announcedd that production in India, the world’s number two wheat producer, currently has a record production of 85.93 million tonnes in the 2010-11 crop year (July-June). In India, wheat is only grown in the rabi season (winter).

Mr Pawar said, "Indications are that rabi sowing will be good, particularly of wheat. As of now, it looks that wheat production will exceed 86 million tonnes." Pawar went on to explain that this was because of a good monsoon, which has increased soil moisture and water levels in reservoirs, which could be expected to result in a rise in production.

Agriculture secretary P K Basu had previously expressed similar hopes; Mr Basu said wheat output could easily reach 86 million tonnes providing there was no threat from rust disease and terminal heat. With encouraging forecasts, which predict abundant sunshine and little danger of pests during the rabi season, farmers in the country remain confident.

Farmers in India are currently preparing their fields to sow wheat, the main rabi crop. Planting will first begin in Madhya Pradesh and later in other key growing states including Punjab and Haryana.