India Records Highest-Ever Foodgrain Production as Agriculture Output Surges in 2025–26

India has achieved a historic milestone in agricultural production, with total foodgrain output projected to reach a record 376.563 million tonnes in 2025–26, according to the Third Advance Estimates released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the estimates and described the achievement as evidence of the Government’s sustained efforts to strengthen Indian agriculture, improve farmer incomes, and enhance productivity through technology, research, and policy support.

The latest estimates indicate that foodgrain production has increased by nearly 18.8 million tonnes compared to last year’s output of 357.732 million tonnes — representing growth of approximately 5.3 percent and marking the highest agricultural production in India’s history.

Record Production Across Major Crops

The Third Advance Estimates paint a strong picture of agricultural growth across cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops.

According to the Ministry:

• Rice production is estimated at a record 154.024 million tonnes

• Wheat production at 120.657 million tonnes

• Maize production at a record 55.093 million tonnes

The Minister congratulated farmers across the country for their contribution to the historic achievement, stating that India’s agricultural sector continues to demonstrate resilience and strong growth despite climatic and global economic challenges.

Rice and Wheat Output Continue to Rise

Rice production has increased significantly compared to the previous agricultural year.

The estimates show:

• Rice production rising from 150.184 million tonnes in 2024–25 to 154.024 million tonnes in 2025–26

• An increase of 3.84 million tonnes

Wheat production also recorded strong growth:

• 120.657 million tonnes estimated for 2025–26

• Up by 2.712 million tonnes from last year’s 117.945 million tonnes

The increase reflects favourable crop conditions, improved seed varieties, expanded scientific farming practices, and stronger support systems for farmers.

Maize and Nutri-Cereals Register Major Gains

One of the biggest gains came in maize production, which reached a new record level.

Maize output is estimated at:

• 55.093 million tonnes

• Up by 11.684 million tonnes from last year’s 43.409 million tonnes

Production of nutritious and coarse cereals also recorded robust growth, with total output estimated at 74.472 million tonnes.

The Government has increasingly promoted coarse cereals and millets — branded as “Shree Anna” — as part of efforts to improve nutrition security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming.

Production of Shree Anna is estimated at:

• 17.584 million tonnes

Pulse Production Shows Mixed Trends

In pulses, gram production witnessed notable growth.

The estimates indicate:

• Gram production at 12.514 million tonnes

• Up by 1.4 million tonnes from last year’s 11.114 million tonnes

Tur production is estimated at:

• 3.592 million tonnes

• Almost equal to last year’s 3.624 million tonnes

Lentil production is projected at:

• 1.762 million tonnes

The Government has continued efforts to improve pulse production to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic food security.

Oilseed Production Hits Strong Levels

India also recorded major growth in oilseed production.

Total oilseed production is estimated at:

• 43.059 million tonnes

Among the key crops:

• Groundnut production reached a record 13.074 million tonnes

• Soybean production estimated at 12.596 million tonnes

• Rapeseed and mustard production estimated at a record 13.768 million tonnes

Groundnut production increased by:

• 1.132 million tonnes compared to last year

Rapeseed and mustard production rose by:

• 1.101 million tonnes over the previous year’s output

Sugarcane Production Crosses 500 Million Tonnes

Among commercial crops, sugarcane production achieved another major record.

The estimates project:

• Sugarcane production at 500.063 million tonnes

• An increase of 45.452 million tonnes over last year’s 454.611 million tonnes

Cotton production is estimated at:

• 29.024 million bales(each bale weighing 170 kg)

Jute production is estimated at:

• 9.176 million bales(each bale weighing 180 kg)

Scientific Research and Climate-Resilient Farming Driving Growth

Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the important role played by agricultural research institutions, particularly the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in boosting productivity.

According to the Minister, advances in:

• Climate-resilient crop varieties

• Rainfed farming technologies

• Sustainable agriculture

• Soil and water management

• Digital agricultural systems

have contributed significantly to rising output.

The Government stated that ICAR released:

• 339 crop varieties during 2025–26covering cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder crops, and commercial crops suited to different agro-climatic regions.

Seed Production and Outreach Programmes Strengthened

The Minister also pointed to strong growth in breeder and quality seed production.

During 2024–25:

• Breeder seed production reached 109,370.2 quintals

• Quality seed production stood at 433,114.7 quintals

He further highlighted the impact of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, under which agricultural scientists directly engaged with farmers across the country to promote:

• Improved farming techniques

• Climate-resilient agriculture

• Rainfed farming systems

• Scientific advisory services

Agriculture Continues to Anchor India’s Economy

The record production figures reinforce agriculture’s continued importance to India’s economy, food security, and rural livelihoods.

Officials said the strong performance demonstrates the combined impact of:

• Government policy support

• Scientific innovation

• Improved seed systems

• Farmer outreach

• Sustainable agricultural technologies

The Ministry stated that India’s agricultural production position remains robust, with several major crops projected to achieve historic output levels in 2025–26.