The country is expected to see a record wheat production for the fourth consecutive year at an estimated over 88 million tonnes in the 2011-12 crop year due to higher yield and good weather conditions. Wheat output was at a record high of 86.87 million tonnes last year also.

According to an official release, the overall food grains output is also estimated to exceed the target of 245 million tonnes.

It will touch a record over 250 million tonnes, according to the second advance crop estimate for 2011-12. The food grains output was at 244.78 million tonnes in 2010-11.

Out of total food grains output, rice production is estimated to increase to 102.75 million tonnes this year, as against 95.98 million tonnes last year.

However, pulses production is estimated to be lower at 17.28 million tonnes this year, as against 18.24 million tonnes last year.

Similarly, oilseed production is estimated to fall to 30.52 million tonnes in the reviewed period, from 32.47 million tonnes.