India records highest foodgrain production increase in a decade

India is witnessing the strongest rise in foodgrain production in the last ten years, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced while releasing the final crop production estimates for 2024–25 in New Delhi. Total foodgrain output has climbed from 251.54 million tonnes in 2015/16 to 357.73 million tonnes — an increase of 106 million tonnes.

According to the minister, India has set multiple new production records this year. Rice output has reached 150.184 million tonnes, up by 12.359 million tonnes compared to last year. Wheat production has also hit an all-time high at 117.945 million tonnes, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.653 million tonnes. Among pulses and oilseeds, notable gains were recorded: moong rose to 4.244 million tonnes, soybean to 15.268 million tonnes, and groundnut to 11.942 million tonnes.

Chouhan highlighted especially strong momentum in oilseed production. Total oilseed output for 2024/25 is estimated at a record 42.989 million tonnes, compared with 39.669 million tonnes in 2023/24. Record harvests of soybean and groundnut, along with 12.667 million tonnes of rapeseed and mustard, have significantly strengthened India’s domestic supply and reduced import dependence.

Maize and millet (‘Shri Anna’) production also increased, estimated at 43.409 million tonnes and 18.592 million tonnes respectively. Total nutri/coarse cereals output stands at 63.921 million tonnes. Among pulse crops, chickpea leads with 11.114 million tonnes, followed by tur at 3.624 million tonnes.

The government additionally released figures for commercial crops. Sugarcane production is estimated at 454.611 million tonnes, cotton at 29.724 million bales (170 kg each), and jute and mesta at 8.802 million bales (180 kg each). These numbers reflect stable growth in India’s agricultural sector and the effectiveness of government support programs for farmers.

Chouhan noted that the record harvests reinforce India’s food security, expand production capacity, and demonstrate farmers’ resilience in adapting to climate challenges through modern technologies and policy support.

Tags: mustard, crop forecast, rice, wheat, India, rapeseed