In a latest development, India's largest utility NTPC has informed that it would start coal production from its mines in Jharkhand in the second half of this fiscal.

The company plans to achieve a coal production target of 15 million tonnes per annum by 2012.

It should be noted that NTPC has ventured into the coal mining business with an aim to meet about 20 per cent of its fuel requirement from its captive mines by 2017.

Till date, the government has allotted seven coal blocks to NTPC, out of which two blocks are scheduled to be developed through joint ventures.

According to reports, the company's total coal requirement during 2009-10 is estimated at 150 metric ton, of which Coal India and its subsidiaries would provide 130-132 metric ton, while the balance would be met through imports.

NTPC plans to import 12.5 metric ton of fuel in the current fiscal.