The country's grain output in 2008-09 is estimated at 227.88 million tonnes, according to the second advance estimate released on Thursday, down 1.26 per cent from the previous year's final estimate of 230.78 million tonnes. The dip can be attributed to poor kharif output as the monsoon was delayed in a number of states.

The kharif grain output is estimated to have declined 2.48 per cent to 117.96 million tonnes while the rabi grain output has remained flat at 109.92 million tonnes, according to a government release.

Output has declined mainly in kharif pulses and coarse cereals while a marginal dip has been projected in the rabi wheat output.

However, rice production is estimated at an all-time high of 98.89 million tonnes. The wheat output of 77.78 million tonnes is also the second best.

The Food Corporation of India has procured 21.64 million tonnes of rice in the ongoing kharif marketing season (October-September). This is an increase of over 17 per cent from the corresponding period last year.

Wheat harvesting is scheduled to begin from April and the FCI is expected to procure not less than 20 million tonnes. This is certainly good news for the government, which, in election mode, is keen to keep food prices stable.

These estimates are based on feedback from states which is validated with information from other sources.