The foodgrain production in Gujarat has dipped by 8 lakh tonnes in 2011-12 over the previous financial year, according to Socio Economic Review of the state.

As per the second advance estimates for year 2012-13, the production of total foodgrains and oil seeds are estimated to be 71.56 and 38.28 lakh tonnes, respectively, a considerable dip.

However, the overall agricultural growth rate of the state continues to be in double digit.

During Rabi season, at end of January 21, 2013, the acreage under various crops was reported at 29.64 lakh hectares, which is 87 per cent of average area (34.21 lakh) sown during the last three years, the review said.

"The acreage under wheat could dip further this year," Gujarat Director Agriculture B R Shah told PTI.

During 2011-12, the state produced an estimated 92.57 lakh tonnes of foodgrains compared to 100.71 lakh tonnes in 2010-11, the review said.

The dip in production is being attributed to decrease in area under foodgrain in the state. The average yield per hectare for foodgrains has also marginally dipped to 1,955 in 2011-12 as compared to 2,053 in 2010-11.

The area under foodgrains decreased from 4,905 hectares in 2010-11 to 4,735 hectares in 2011-12, where as area under oil seed crops remained almost unchanged.

In foodgrain basket, the wheat acreage reported a dip of 14.98 per cent in 2011-12 at 1,351 hectares, in the state.

It was 1,589 hectares in 2010-11.

The wheat production in Gujarat also dipped by 18.77 per cent at 40.72 lakh tonne in 2011-12. It was 50.13 lakh tonne in 2010-11.

The production of oil seeds also marginally dipped at 50.35 lakh tonnes in 2011-12 compared to 51.42 lakh in 2010-11.

Output of agricultural sector in Gujarat has been largely dependant on south-west monsoon. The wide variation in rainfall received by different parts of the state has been the characteristic feature of the monsoon here.

The acreage under Kharif crops till October 1, 2012 was 81.72 lakh hectares against normal area of 87.97 lakh hectare, the review said.