New Delhi, Sept 17: Foodgrains output in the current year to June is likely to match the record output in 2001/02 on expected favourable weather, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday. The country produced 212 million tonnes of foodgrains in 2001/02 (July-June), but output slumped the next year to 182.6 million tonnes after widespread drought.
"Production this year is likely to match the performance of 2001/02 if serious climatic disturbances are not faced," the ministry said in a statement.

The country is experiencing the heaviest monsoon rains in five years. It received 108 per cent of long-term average rainfall in June and July, the first two months of the monsoon season.
The winter crop prospects in 2003 are bright after good monsoon rains and the area coverage of most crops, including rice and soybean, has progressed satisfactorily, it said.
The statement said good rains in the monsoon season, which runs from June to September, have also helped in recharging the surface and ground water resources and will benefit the summer crops. Bureau Report