Wheat output may fall below government estimate

NEW DELHI: Wheat output this year is likely to be below the government estimate of 95.60 million tonnes as untimely rain, hailstorm and wind have hit the crop in some states, a government official said. 


"Wheat crop has been affected in three states - Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra because of rain, hailstorm and wind, Agriculture Commissioner J S Sandhu told PTI. 


Untimely rain is due to western disturbances in and around the coast of Gujarat and this situation is likely to continue for some more days as forecast by the Met Department. "Definitely there is some damage. Production would be below the current estimate. It is difficult to say the extent of damage as the government is still assessing," he said. Sandhu said wheat crop, which is ready for harvesting, has been covered in additional 61,000 hectares in the ongoing 2013-14 crop year (July-June).