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India’s summer-sown rice output for 2024-25 is projected at a record 120 million metric tons, driven by abundant monsoon rains. This boost in rice production follows last year’s 113.3 million metric tons, which was impacted by patchy monsoon rains due to El Niño. The farm ministry’s first production estimate also anticipates a rise in overall summer-sown grains to 164.7 million metric tons and higher oilseed output at 25.7 million metric tons, largely from soybean. While corn and cotton yields are set to grow and decline respectively, the government extended its ban on sugar exports amid a drop in sugarcane output. The outlook for increased rice and oilseed production supports India's food security and reduces its reliance on imports.

Key Highlights

* India’s rice output expected to hit 120 million metric tons.

* Total summer-sown grains anticipated at 164.7 million metric tons.

* Oilseed output to reach 25.7 million metric tons, mainly from soybean.

* Sugarcane production falls, leading to a continued sugar export ban.

* Corn output rises as India expands ethanol production.

India’s agriculture sector is poised for a bumper year as the Ministry of Agriculture projects record production across key summer-sown crops for the 2024-25 season. With an estimated 120 million metric tons, rice, the country’s staple crop, is expected to surpass previous records due to favorable monsoon rains. This stands in contrast to last year’s output of 113.3 million metric tons, which was impacted by the El Niño effect, bringing patchy rainfall. The robust rice harvest could ease domestic rice prices, helping maintain affordability.

The country’s total summer-sown grains are expected to reach 164.7 million metric tons, up from 155.8 million metric tons last year. Oilseeds, led by soybean, are also forecast to grow, with an estimated 25.7 million metric tons compared to last year’s 24.2 million metric tons. This increase is expected to ease the strain on India’s vegetable oil imports, as the country depends heavily on palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil from abroad. Additionally, a record 13.4 million metric tons of soybeans could bolster domestic supply and help mitigate import costs.

Corn production is set to rise to 24.5 million metric tons, largely due to government initiatives encouraging corn-based ethanol production. However, the outlook for sugarcane is less optimistic, with production expected to decline to 439.9 million metric tons, prompting the government to continue its sugar export ban. Cotton output, estimated at 29.9 million bales, is also down from last season’s 32.5 million bales, signaling a tighter supply in this crop segment.

Finally

India’s record rice output and strong oilseed yields in 2024-25 bolster food security and reduce reliance on costly imports amid varied crop trends.

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