Kharif acreage up over ’22, output estimated lower

Despite below-normal monsoon rainfall, Kharif acreage in India has increased by 2 lakh hectares compared to last year. However, the country’s foodgrain output for this season is estimated to be 4.5% less than the previous year. The first advance estimates for 2023-24 show a 3.8% decrease in paddy output. These figures are expected to be revised as the ministry plans to use advanced technology to estimate crop output. Final and accurate figures will be available by mid-next year. The traditional method of manual yield measurements has limitations and is prone to errors.