India Foodgrain Output Seen Rising 3% To Record High by Amit Gupta, Kedia Advisory
India’s total foodgrain production for 2025-26 is projected to rise about 3% year-on-year to 348.65 million tonnes, according to the Agriculture Ministry’s second advance estimates. The increase is driven by record production expected in wheat, rice, maize, mustard and sugarcane. Wheat output is estimated at 120.21 million tonnes, surpassing last year’s record. Pulses production during the rabi season is also expected to rise 7% to 16.24 million tonnes, helping reduce India’s import dependence. Higher production of maize, rice and coarse cereals is further supporting the overall output growth. However, some crops like sunflower, urad and moong are projected to see lower production compared with last year.
Key Highlights
* India’s total foodgrain output estimated 3% higher at 348.65 million tonnes in 2025-26.
*Wheat production projected at record 120.21 million tonnes, up from last year.
* Rabi pulses output expected to rise 7% to 16.24 million tonnes.
* Mustard production estimated at 13.33 million tonnes, higher than last year.
* Some crops including sunflower, urad and moong likely to record lower output.
India’s agricultural production outlook for the 2025-26 season remains strong, with the government estimating total foodgrain output to increase by around 3% to 348.65 million tonnes. The projection, released in the Agriculture Ministry’s second advance estimates, reflects improved production across several key crops, including wheat, rice, maize and mustard.
Among the major crops, wheat production is expected to reach a record 120.21 million tonnes, exceeding last year’s output of 117.94 million tonnes. Favorable weather conditions, steady acreage and improved crop health have supported the outlook for higher yields. Industry sources believe the final output could even cross 121 million tonnes if conditions remain favorable during the remaining harvest period.
Rice production is also heading toward a record level after the kharif crop was estimated at a new high. Meanwhile, rabi rice output is projected slightly higher at 16.72 million tonnes compared with 16.12 million tonnes last year. Strong production across both seasons has helped maintain stable supply conditions in the domestic market.
Pulses production is also expected to show improvement. Rabi pulses output is projected to increase about 7% to 16.24 million tonnes, compared with 15.23 million tonnes a year earlier. Higher gram production at 11.79 million tonnes is likely to support this increase, although urad and moong output is expected to decline slightly.
Oilseed production also shows mixed trends. Mustard output is estimated at 13.33 million tonnes, higher than last year’s 12.66 million tonnes. However, sunflower production is expected to decline to 104,000 tonnes from 121,000 tonnes.
Meanwhile, rabi maize production is projected to rise to 15.90 million tonnes from 14.75 million tonnes, while total coarse and nutri cereals output is estimated at 21.34 million tonnes, up from 19.86 million tonnes last year.
Finally, India’s strong crop outlook reflects favorable weather and improved farm productivity, which could help stabilize domestic supplies while reducing dependence on imports for several key agricultural commodities.
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