India’s Foodgrain Output Set for Record High in 2025–26: Govt Estimates

According to the latest estimates, Kharif foodgrain production is projected at 1741.44 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) while Rabi foodgrain production is estimated at 1745.13 LMT.

India’s agricultural sector is poised for another record-breaking year, with foodgrain production projected to reach unprecedented levels in 2025–26, according to the Second Advance Estimates of Major Agricultural Crops released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data was approved and released by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The estimates indicate a strong performance across major crops in both the Kharif and Rabi seasons, highlighting steady growth in agricultural productivity and resilience across India’s farming sector.

Strong Growth in Foodgrain Production

According to the latest estimates, Kharif foodgrain production is projected at 1741.44 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) while Rabi foodgrain production is estimated at 1745.13 LMT.

These figures represent a substantial increase over the previous year:

• Kharif production is higher by 46 LMT (2.8%) compared with 1694.60 LMT in 2024–25.

• Rabi production is higher by 53 LMT (3.2%) compared with 1691.66 LMT in the previous year.

The data suggests a robust agricultural season supported by favorable weather conditions, improved crop management practices, and government initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and farmer incomes.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has been consistently implementing policies and schemes to strengthen the agricultural sector.

“These estimates reflect the steady progress of India’s agriculture sector and the dedication of our farmers. The government remains committed to ensuring prosperity for farmers through innovation, better infrastructure, and improved agricultural practices,” he said.

Technology-Driven Crop Assessment

The production estimates are based on validated crop area data received from states, which have been cross-verified using multiple technological and institutional sources.

These include:

• Remote sensing data and satellite-based monitoring

• Weekly Crop Weather Watch Group inputs

• Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) conducted across states

• Historical yield trends and agronomic assessments

Such data triangulation methods improve the accuracy and transparency of crop production estimates, making them more reliable for policy decisions, procurement planning, and food security strategies.

The current estimates include Kharif and Rabi seasons, while production figures for the summer season will be incorporated in the Third Advance Estimates later in the year.

Record Output in Rice and Wheat

India’s two most critical staple crops—rice and wheat—are projected to achieve record production levels.

• Kharif rice production is estimated at 1239.28 LMT, up from 1227.72 LMT in 2024–25, marking an increase of 11.56 LMT.

• Rabi rice production is estimated at 167.20 LMT.

Meanwhile, wheat production is estimated at a record 1202.10 LMT, surpassing the previous year’s production of 1179.45 LMT by 22.65 LMT.

This growth reflects improved crop varieties, expanded irrigation coverage, and greater adoption of modern farming techniques.

Surge in Maize and Nutri-Cereals

The estimates also indicate strong growth in maize and nutri/coarse cereals, which are increasingly important for nutrition security and livestock feed.

• Kharif maize production is estimated at a record 302.47 LMT.

• Rabi maize production is estimated at a record 159.03 LMT.

Together, these figures signal a continued expansion in maize cultivation and productivity.

Production of nutri/coarse cereals is also rising:

• Kharif nutri/coarse cereals: 425.89 LMT

• Rabi nutri/coarse cereals: 213.41 LMT

In addition, Shree Anna (millets)—a category promoted by the government for its nutritional value and climate resilience—has shown stable output:

• Kharif Shree Anna: 123.43 LMT

• Rabi Shree Anna: 30.98 LMT

Pulses Production Strengthens Food Security

The estimates indicate stable production across key pulse crops, which play a vital role in India’s protein supply.

• Tur (pigeon pea): 34.55 LMT

• Gram (chickpea): 117.92 LMT

• Lentil: 17.33 LMT

Pulses remain a strategic crop category as the government continues efforts to reduce imports and boost domestic production.

Oilseeds Output Expands

Oilseed production has also registered encouraging growth.

• Kharif oilseeds: 265.33 LMT

• Rabi oilseeds: 144.65 LMT

Among individual crops:

• Groundnut (Kharif): 112.94 LMT, higher by 8.82 LMT compared to 104.12 LMT in the previous year

• Rabi groundnut: 7.97 LMT

• Soybean: 127.20 LMT

• Rapeseed & mustard: 133.31 LMT, marking another record output

Sugarcane and Cotton See Strong Output

India’s major commercial crops have also performed strongly in the current estimates.

• Sugarcane production: 5001.97 LMT, another record level

• Cotton production: 290.91 lakh bales (170 kg each)

• Jute production: 81.27 lakh bales (180 kg each)

These crops remain crucial for rural employment, export earnings, and industrial supply chains.

Estimates Subject to Revision

The ministry clarified that while Kharif crop estimates incorporate Crop Cutting Experiment (CCE) yield data, certain crops—including Tur, sugarcane, and castor—are still undergoing CCE assessments.

Rabi production estimates are currently based on average yield assumptions and may be revised in subsequent estimates as more detailed yield data becomes available.

Supporting India’s Food Security

The robust production outlook underscores India’s ability to maintain strong foodgrain stocks, stable supply chains, and improved food security, even amid global uncertainties in agricultural markets.

Government initiatives such as PM-KISAN, soil health management, improved irrigation coverage, promotion of millets, and technology-based farming practices are increasingly contributing to higher productivity and farmer resilience.

For detailed crop-wise statistics and datasets, the Ministry has advised stakeholders and researchers to consult the official portal upag.gov.in.