Fri Sep 20 13:34:20 UTC 2024: ## India to Discuss Strategies for Boosting Winter Crop Production at Rabi Conference
**New Delhi:** The Indian government will hold a crucial conference on September 24th to discuss strategies for increasing the output of all winter-grown crops, including wheat, with a focus on the upcoming Rabi season (2024-25). This comes amidst a continuing ban on wheat and wheat-based product exports that was imposed in 2022.
The conference, known as the Rabi Conference, will see the Centre engage with state governments to formulate plans for boosting production. This is particularly significant considering the government’s target of 164 million tonnes (mt) of foodgrains output, including 115 mt of wheat, for the next Rabi season.
While India has seen a bumper yield in recent years, concerns remain over wheat availability. Industry experts point to the fact that, despite record production and a ban on exports, the country is facing wheat shortages. This has led to demands from millers for the resumption of open market sales from government stockpiles and the abolition of import duty.
The expert also highlighted the need for an assessment of whether wheat production has reached a saturation level, urging for a study conducted by an independent professional agency.
The government has allocated significant amounts of wheat to southern states under the Public Distribution System, indicating a shift in consumption patterns. However, this shift has yet to be reflected in production policies, the expert noted.
The Rabi Conference will also focus on other winter crops like chana (gram), mustard, masur (lentil) and barley. The government has set targets for each of these crops, aiming for increased production in the upcoming season.
First Piper 