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Maharashtra's first advance kharif estimates for 2024-25 reveal a substantial rise in agricultural output, with total foodgrain production projected at 86.71 lakh tonnes—a 29.2% increase from last year. Beneficial monsoon conditions, with 118% of average rainfall, have notably boosted soybean, maize, and cotton yields, offsetting minor setbacks in rice and sugarcane. Key figures include soybean production at 73.27 lakh tonnes and maize at 29.39 lakh tonnes, more than double last year’s yield. The rise in pulses, cotton, and oilseeds production is expected to stabilize regional prices, reinforcing Maharashtra’s agriculture-driven economy.

Key Highlights

* Maharashtra’s foodgrain production is set to rise by 29.2%.

* Soybean production forecasted to grow to 73.27 lakh tonnes.

* Maize production expected to double to 29.39 lakh tonnes.

* Favourable monsoon with 118% rainfall boosted yields.

* Cotton production set to improve to 101.40 lakh tonnes.

Maharashtra’s agriculture sector is on track for a robust year in 2024-25, as favorable monsoon conditions have led to significant increases in crop production. The state’s projected foodgrain production is 86.71 lakh tonnes, a notable 29.2% rise over last year’s 67.09 lakh tonnes, underscoring the region’s agricultural resilience and growth. Soybean, Maharashtra’s principal oilseed crop, has an expected production of 73.27 lakh tonnes, an increase over the prior year’s 66.68 lakh tonnes. Similarly, maize production is projected to more than double, from 14.41 lakh tonnes to an impressive 29.39 lakh tonnes.

The production surge is largely attributed to favorable monsoon conditions, with rainfall reaching 118% of the average by October. This contrasts with last year’s 87%, when dry spells and drought conditions impacted key regions. Consequently, crop productivity has risen across the board, with maize productivity soaring to 2,656 kg/ha from last year’s 1,584 kg/ha, and rice to 2,437 kg/ha from 2,353 kg/ha. Despite minor declines in rice and sugarcane output, the overall crop landscape appears promising for Maharashtra’s farmers and the broader economy.

In addition to foodgrains, the oilseeds and pulses sectors are forecasted to perform strongly. Total oilseeds production is expected to rise to 75.35 lakh tonnes, and pulses production may reach 16.47 lakh tonnes. Cotton, a vital crop in the Vidarbha region, is projected to see a healthy increase to 101.40 lakh tonnes, up from last year’s 89.18 lakh tonnes. These increases in production across staple crops are anticipated to provide price stability in domestic markets, ensuring better returns for farmers and strengthening Maharashtra's agricultural output.

Finally

Maharashtra’s favorable monsoon has spurred substantial gains in crop production for 2024-25, providing a potential boost to food and cash crop prices and local markets.

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