News in brief:
– India’s grain production hit a record 353.2 million tonnes in 2024–25, boosted by strong monsoon rains and higher yields in rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.
– The country is also set to overtake China as the world’s largest rice producer, further strengthening its global agricultural position.
India’s food grain production soared to an all-time high of 353.2 million tonnes in the 2024-25 crop year (July-June), marking a 6% increase from the previous year, the agriculture ministry announced on Wednesday.
This record growth is attributed to significant rises in the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds, driven by favourable monsoon conditions and improved agricultural practices. The southwest monsoon rainfall, which was 108% of the long-term average in 2024, played a key role in boosting both kharif and rabi crop yields.
India is also set to surpass China as the world’s largest rice producer, with rice output estimated at 149.07 million tonnes, an 8% increase year-on-year.
For comparison, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects China’s rice production at 145.28 million tonnes for the same period.
The forecast includes an all-Asian top 10 made up of popular names in the rice industry like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, and others. India has been the top global rice exporter since 2012.
Wheat production rose by 3.7% to 117.5 million tonnes, while pulses output increased by 4% to 25.23 million tonnes. The same USDA projection places it third in wheat production, surpassed by the European Union and China.
Oilseed production also saw a 7% jump, reaching 42.6 million tonnes, with record yields in groundnut (11.89 MT) and soybean (15.18 MT).
Looking ahead, the Indian government has set an ambitious target of 354.64 million tonnes for foodgrain production in the 2025-26 season, a figure likely to be revised upward if monsoon forecasts remain favourable.
With nearly half of India’s farmland dependent on monsoon rains, the outlook for the agricultural sector remains positive for a second consecutive year.
