NEW DEHLI, INDIA — India’s rice production is forecast to hit a record as the crop benefitted from monsoon that supported increased plantings and good yields, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA anticipates India’s marketing year 2020-21 to total 120 million tonnes from 44.5 million hectares. Good yield realizations are expected for the season due to excellent monsoon rains with no major weather issues, pests or diseases, the USDA said citing field sources.

The country’s rice exports are projected to rise 18% to 12.3 million tonnes for 2019-20. The USDA attributes the boost in exports to strong export demand and competitive prices versus other competing origins, especially for coarse grain rice.

The USDA’s wheat production forecast remains unchanged at a record107.6 million tonnes for 2020-21.