India's wheat economy: will demand be a constraint or supply?

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics of India's expanding wheat economy, addressing questions on the nature of production and consumption, demand and wheat markets, and the prospects of production growth. The analysis indicates that wheat production is concentrated and growth is driven predominantly by yield increases, and to some extent by a shift in area from other crops. Future growth is likely to be constrained on both these counts. Also, a demand gap may emerge in the future depending on income and population growth, posing a challenge to India's agriculture, food security and economy.