January 07, 2007	Sunday	Zilhaj 16, 1427

NEW DELHI, Jan 6: Indian farmers have sown wheat on 27.5 million hectares between Nov. 1 and Jan. 5, up 7 per cent from a year ago, government data show. Wheat planting in India, the world's second-largest producer, has risen this season as farmers anticipate better returns given higher prices. Trade officials say wheat prices are currently at 1,000 rupees per 100 kg, up 40 per cent from last year.

India normally grows wheat on more than 26 million hectares, mainly in the northern states of Uttar Oradesh, Punjab, and Haryana and the central state of Madhya Pradesh.

Farm Minister Sharad Pawar last month said India's wheat output in 2007 was likely to top 74 million tons on conducive weather, up from 69.4 million tons in 2006.—Reuters