India's wheat output would surpass the government's forecast of a record 112.18 million tonnes in the 2022–23 crop year (July–June) due to a predicted increase in crop yields in important growing states, despite unfavourable weather impacting wheat quality in some areas.
The crop year 2020–21 produced 109.59 million tonnes of wheat, which was the previous record.
For the crop year 2022–2023, the government forecasted wheat production at 112.18 million tonnes in its second estimate, which was released in February.
According to media reports, due to higher crop yields, wheat output is projected to exceed the estimated 112.18 million tonnes. In Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, crop yields have increased, according to an official of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The government's promotion of climate-resistant wheat varieties over the past five years has improved yields, he continued.
The official also acknowledged that certain parts of the states that produce wheat suffered crop damage and quality loss as a result of unseasonal rainfall in March and April.
Also, the Punjab state's contribution of grain to the national pool plays a vital role when the Government of India is implementing the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) which provides for coverage up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population for receiving free foodgrains under a Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), covering roughly two-thirds of the total population which comes to 81.35 crores according to Census 2011.
The act is being implemented across the country against the intended coverage of 81.35 crores. As many as 80.11 crore people are presently covered under the Act.
