If the present trend continues, the foodgrains production this year may cross the 1996-97 record production of 199 million tonnes and this year's target of 204 million tonnes, experts feel. Major kharif crops such as rice, cotton, sugarcane and oilseeds have covered more area under cultivation this year as compared to previous year. Water reservoir position is also quite satisfactory this time and rainfall has improved in deficit areas such as parts ofBihar, western Orissa and eastern MP. The ministry has prepared contingency plans for each state in case of scanty rains or pest attacks.

The ministry is monitoring the crop situation on a daily basis and no incidence of pests or diseases attacks has been reported so far, additional secretary of the ministry J N L Srivastava said.