India’s Foodgrain Output Hits Record 376.5 Million Tons in 2025-26

NEW DELHI -India’s total foodgrain production increased by 5.3 percent to an all-time high of 376.563 million tons in 2025-26, compared to 357.732 million tons in the previous year, according to the third advance estimates of major agricultural crops released on May 27.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the estimates reflect a strong and encouraging picture of India’s agricultural progress and mark the highest-ever foodgrain production in the country’s history.

Rice production is estimated at 154.024 million tons, up from 150.184 million tons in 2024-25, registering an increase of 3.84 million tons. Wheat production is estimated at 120.657 million tons, which is 2.712 million tons higher than last year’s 117.945 million tons.

Among other major crops, maize production reached a record 55.093 million tons, an increase of 11.684 million tons over last year’s 43.409 million tons. Production of millets is estimated at 17.584 million tons, while total output of nutritious and coarse cereals is estimated at 74.472 million tons.

In pulses, tur production is estimated at 3.592 million tons, almost at par with last year’s 3.624 million tons. Gram production is estimated at 12.514 million tons, up by 1.4 million tons from 11.114 million tons last year. Lentil production is estimated at 1.762 million tons.

Total oilseed production is estimated at 43.059 million tons. Groundnut production is estimated at 13.074 million tons, which is 1.132 million tons higher than last year’s 11.942 million tons. Soybean production is estimated at 12.596 million tons, while rapeseed and mustard production is estimated at 13.768 million tons, up by 1.101 million tons from 12.667 million tons last year.

Among commercial crops, sugarcane production is estimated at 500.063 million tons, which is 45.452 million tons higher than last year’s production of 454.611 million tons. Cotton production is estimated at 29.024 million bales, with each bale weighing 170 kg, while jute production is estimated at 9.176 million bales, with each bale weighing 180 kg. (IANS)