Wheat production recorded an all-time high of 74.25 million tonne during the year, up by 3.47 million tonne from last year, agriculture minister Nitish Kumar said on Friday.

Rice production during kharif and rabi seasons was also higher at 88.25 million tonne compared to 86 milion tonne in 1998-99.

The record production is despite the devastating cyclone in Orissa and drought in Gujarat, Rajasthan and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kumar said.

The highest-ever foodgrain production was despite seven out of 35 meteorological sub-divisions recording deficient rains last year, Kumar said.

However, he said pulses and oilseeds production were down this year due to the drought in western parts of the country.

On current year's foodgrain production prospects, Kumar said "as per the forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department, moonsoons will be good this year."

The government has set a foodgrain production target of 210 million tonne for the current fiscal year.

Asked about Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, which have not received enough rains in the current year, he said "let us wait for some more time."

Kumar said last year's foodgrain production has proved that management practices can improve production further despite the vagaries of nature.The foodgrain production for the year was finalised yesterday after collating figures from the states.