New Delhi: India’s total foodgrain production has reached an all-time high of 376.563 million tonnes in 2025-26, marking a 5.3 per cent increase compared to 357.732 million tonnes recorded in the previous year, according to the third advance estimates of major agricultural crops released on Wednesday.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the achievement as a historic milestone for the country’s agriculture sector. He said the latest estimates present a strong and encouraging picture of India’s agricultural growth and reflect the success of efforts aimed at strengthening the farming sector.
Among major crops, rice production has been estimated at 154.024 million tonnes, up from 150.184 million tonnes last year. Wheat production is projected at 120.657 million tonnes, an increase of 2.712 million tonnes compared to 2024-25. Maize production has touched a record 55.093 million tonnes, registering a sharp rise of over 11 million tonnes from last year’s 43.409 million tonnes. Total production of coarse cereals and nutritious grains is estimated at 74.472 million tonnes, while millet production stands at 17.584 million tonnes.
In the pulses category, gram production is estimated at 12.514 million tonnes, showing a significant rise from last year’s 11.114 million tonnes. Tur production is expected to remain almost stable at 3.592 million tonnes, while lentil production is estimated at 1.762 million tonnes.
Oilseed production has also remained strong, with total output estimated at 43.059 million tonnes. Groundnut production is projected at 13.074 million tonnes, while soybean production is estimated at 12.596 million tonnes. Rapeseed and mustard production has increased to 13.768 million tonnes compared to 12.667 million tonnes last year.
Among commercial crops, sugarcane production is estimated at 500.063 million tonnes, nearly 45 million tonnes higher than the previous year. Cotton production is estimated at 29.024 million bales, while jute production is expected to reach 9.176 million bales.
The minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has consistently focused on improving farmers’ prosperity and strengthening the agriculture sector. He added that the impact of these efforts is now visible through record crop production across the country.
Chouhan also highlighted the contribution of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in boosting agricultural output through the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, rainfed farming technologies and scientific support to farmers. He noted that ICAR released 339 crop varieties in 2025-26 suitable for different agro-climatic regions, covering cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder and commercial crops.
He further said that initiatives such as the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan helped strengthen farming practices through direct interaction between scientists and farmers, promoting modern agricultural techniques and climate-resilient technologies across the country.
With inputs from IANS