India's crude steel production reached 85.1 million tonnes in the first half of the current financial year, up 2.9 per cent from 82.7 million tonnes a year earlier, according to data released by the Ministry of Steel.Finished steel production rose 3.7 per cent to 81.8 million tonnes in April-September, while consumption grew a strong 7.9 per cent to 84.9 million tonnes. Demand was driven by government infrastructure projects in highways, railways and ports. Steel exports surged 26.2 per cent to 3.55 million tonnes, earning Rs 28,263.7 crore, up 28.9 per cent in value.India's total crude steelmaking capacity stands at 222.9 million tonnes per annum, keeping the industry on track for the National Steel Policy target of 300 million tonnes by 2030. The worldsteel association said India produced 14.8 million tonnes in August alone, up 4.6 per cent, cementing its place as the world's second-largest steel producer.State-run SAIL reported record half-year production of hot metal, crude steel and finished steel. NMDC's iron ore output rose about 23 per cent to 27.3 million tonnes in the half year. The steel ministry has also set up a Steel Industry Safety Council to improve safety standards across the sector.