years of the seventh, eighth and ninth plan periods, i e, 1989-90, 1994-95 and and 26.26 million tonnes respectively, and 26.26 million tonnes respectively, based on an annual GNP growth rate of 4.5 per cent. Between 1989-90 and 1999-2000 demand is expected to grow at an annual compound growth' rate of 5.6 per cent.