India forecasts record wheat and rice production

India’s agriculture ministry has revised its forecast for wheat production to a record 117.5 million tonnes in 2025, up from a March estimate of 115.4 million tonnes as rising prices have encouraged farmers to expand their area under high-yielding varieties, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer after China, harvested 113.3 million tonnes of wheat in 2024. However, the industry body said the harvest was about 6.25% lower than the government’s estimate.

India’s rice production is also set to hit a record high in 2025. The ministry estimates it will be 149 million tonnes, significantly higher than last year’s 137.8 million tonnes.

The record wheat and rice output will take the country’s total foodgrain output to 354 million tonnes from 332.3 million tonnes the previous year.

India’s strong wheat harvest is quickly replenishing stocks, allowing the country to meet domestic demand without imports this year, despite market speculation that it will need to buy from abroad. This could also help to keep global prices in check.

India is the world’s largest exporter of rice, and the boost in output will allow New Delhi to boost exports.

Tags: rice, wheat, India, crop forecast