India sets new record for grain production

India recorded its ninth consecutive record harvest of major field crops in 2024-25, according to the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), citing estimates from India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW).

The total grain harvest, including rice, wheat, corn, and barley, reached 357.7 million tonnes—more than 25 million tonnes above last year’s record, according to MoAFW.

Rice production saw the largest year-on-year increase, reaching 150 million tonnes—almost 13 million tonnes more than in 2023-24. Wheat production increased to 113.2 million tonnes, compared to 110.5 million tonnes in the previous year.

FAS notes that record yields are likely to continue in 2025-26. Rice production is forecast to reach a record high of 151 million tonnes, while maize production is expected to reach 44 million tonnes.

“An above-normal monsoon in 2025 is likely to support the grain harvest next season,” the FAS reports.

Following rice export restrictions from 2022 to 2024 to curb rising food prices, exports in 2024–25 increased by 56% to a record 22.5 million tonnes. The FAS forecasts further increases in export supplies to 25 million tonnes in 2025–26.

According to the agency, government rice stocks stood at 44.9 million tonnes as of October 1, up from 38.7 million tonnes in the same period in 2024. This increase is due to higher-than-expected purchases at the Minimum Guaranteed Price (MSP) and relatively low consumption under food security programs. Ending stocks are four times higher than the government’s target of 10.3 million tonnes.

Wheat production, India’s second-largest grain crop after rice, is projected to reach a record 117.5 million tonnes in 2025–26. Ending stocks of wheat are expected to reach 17.2 million tonnes, more than double the 2023–24 level and 46% higher than last year’s level.

Tags: wheat, India, crop forecast