Govt targets record 114 million tonnes of wheat in rabi season

Aiming to achieve a target of record wheat production of 114 million tonnes in the 2023-24 Rabi (winter sown crops) season, the agriculture ministry on Tuesday decided to support farmers to bring 60% of total wheat area of 30 million hectares under the climate-resistant (heat-tolerant) varieties that could beat the impact of depressed rainfall in many areas this year.

The target of 114 million tonnes of wheat output this crop year is higher than its estimated production of nearly 113 million tonnes in 2022-23 crop year. It would be part of the total foodgrains production target of 332 million tonne during 2023-24, set by the ministry in May.

The targets for pulses and oilseeds are also higher this year. “There are certain changes in climate, which are affecting agriculture. Our strategy is climate resilient seeds…As a strategy, I request all states to identify specific areas and map varieties that can be sown,” said agriculture secretary Manoj Ahuja.

This article has been republished from The Times of India