The country is hopeful to achieve the target of 249.52 million tonnes of foodgrain production during 2012-13.

The first estimates of crop production released today, put the figures of food grains at 117.18 million tonnes and 85.59 million tonnes of rice. It said, despite poor rain rice production in the current season bettered the average of the last five years.

The production of sugarcane is also expected to be more than last year at 335 million tonnes. Addressing a function in New Delhi today, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar also allayed fears of shortage of food grains in the country due to the delayed onset of monsoon.

He, however said that due to delayed monsoon and subdued activity, sowing of Kharif during June to July, was impacted and some areas remained unsown which is bound to impact the production of Kharif crops, specially coarse cereals, in the country.

He said, widespread rains were also experienced during September, enough to recharge the soil profile in the rain fed areas. He said it is essential to capitalize upon the available soil moisture through timely sowing and placing the seed at appropriate depth and duly supported by the right amount of nutrition and plant production.

Mr. Pawar said, the Centre is now aiming and concentrating over the sowing of rabi crops in the country to compensate the less production of Kharif crop in the country.

Emphasizing the need to promote and popularize the cultivation of recommended varieties and highbrids of boro rice, rabi, maize, wheat and improved varieties of gram and other rabi pulses, the Agriculture Minister said the distribution of improved and quality seed of rabi crops should be taken up in a campaign mode.