The outlook for the wheat crop, the harvesting of which is underway, is favourable, reflecting increased plantings and adequate fertilizer supplies. The Government provided an additional incentive to farmers by increasing the support price by over 30 percent. As a result, the production of wheat in 1997/98 is officially forecast at a record of about 18 million tonnes, some 9 percent higher than the previous year’s harvest.
Paddy output in 1997 is currently estimated at 6.5 million tonnes, compared with the previous year's record of 6.4 million tonnes. Coarse grain output is estimated at 1.8 million tonnes, some 3 percent above last year's level.