India likely to have bumper crop this year: Sharad Pawar

New Delhi, July 9 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Friday said India is likely to have bumper food grain production in the 2010-11-crop year on account of a good monsoon and a rise in area under cultivation.

"The way sowing operation is undergoing and reports of good monsoon from the states, we are likely to have a bumper crop (production) this year," said Pawar on the sidelines of a Sugar Conference here today.

Pawar further said the decline in prices of agricultural commodities will bring down food inflation, which is pegged at 12.63 percent at present.

"Prices of most agricultural commodities are coming down. It is great relief to consumers. The trend of food inflation will continue to come down in the coming weeks," said Pawar.

"Food inflation is coming down day by day," he added.

Food inflation declined for the second consecutive week for the week ending on June 26.

On the impact of floods on crops in Punjab and Haryana, Pawar said: "I have talked to concerned states. There is a problem, but in limited areas. I will get a detailed report in a day or two. I don't think the situation is that serious."

Punjab and Haryana are the two leading food grain producers in the country. (ANI)