Indian farmers are unlikely to boost wheat planting despite prices hitting record highs as they opt for less-water intensive crops. While wheat planting area will reduce eventually, the world s second-biggest wheat producer may then also maintain its export ban or even force it to resort to imports, according to industry officials and scientists.
The country's wheat production is estimated to set a new record of 112.74 million tonne in the 2022-23 crop year (July-June), while the overall foodgrain output is also likely to be a record 330.53 million tonne.
The wheat procurement target has been revised downward to 195 lakh tonnes for the current year from the earlier 444 lakh tonnes due to a fall in wheat output and increased exports.