India has achieved a historic milestone in agricultural production, with total foodgrain output estimated at a record 376.563 million tonnes in 2025–26, according to the Third Advance Estimates released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The figures indicate a significant rise of nearly 18.8 million tonnes, or 5.3 per cent, compared to last year’s production of 357.732 million tonnes.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, described the achievement as a reflection of the government’s continuous efforts to strengthen the agriculture sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He congratulated the country’s farmers for contributing to the highest-ever foodgrain production in India’s history.
The estimates reveal record production across several major crops. Rice production is projected at an all-time high of 154.024 million tonnes, surpassing last year’s output of 150.184 million tonnes by 3.84 million tonnes. Wheat production is estimated at 120.657 million tonnes, marking an increase of 2.712 million tonnes over the previous year.
Among coarse cereals and nutritious grains, maize production has reached a record 55.093 million tonnes, showing a remarkable jump of 11.684 million tonnes from last year’s 43.409 million tonnes. Production of Shree Anna, or millets, is estimated at 17.584 million tonnes, highlighting the growing importance of climate-resilient and nutritious crops in India’s agricultural landscape. Total output of nutritious and coarse cereals is estimated at 74.472 million tonnes.
The pulses sector also recorded encouraging growth. Gram production is estimated at 12.514 million tonnes, nearly 1.4 million tonnes higher than last year’s 11.114 million tonnes. Tur production is expected to remain stable at 3.592 million tonnes, while lentil production is estimated at 1.762 million tonnes.
In the oilseeds category, total production is estimated at 43.059 million tonnes. Groundnut production has reached a record 13.074 million tonnes, an increase of 1.132 million tonnes compared to last year. Rapeseed and mustard production is estimated at a record 13.768 million tonnes, while soybean production is projected at 12.596 million tonnes.
Commercial crops have also shown strong performance during the year. Sugarcane production is estimated at a record 500.063 million tonnes, nearly 45.452 million tonnes higher than last year’s production. Cotton production is estimated at 29.024 million bales, with each bale weighing 170 kilograms, while jute production is projected at 9.176 million bales of 180 kilograms each.
The Agriculture Minister emphasized that the strong performance across foodgrains, cereals, oilseeds and commercial crops demonstrates the resilience and robustness of India’s agriculture sector. He noted that agricultural research conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and its affiliated institutions has played a crucial role in boosting productivity.
According to the ministry, the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, rainfed farming technologies and improved agricultural practices has significantly contributed to higher yields. The government’s outreach initiatives, including the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, further strengthened farming practices by connecting scientists directly with farmers across the country.
Through these programmes, farmers received guidance on climate-smart agriculture, scientific crop management and sustainable farming practices. In 2025–26, ICAR released 339 crop varieties suitable for different agro-climatic regions, covering cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder and commercial crops.
The ministry also highlighted improvements in seed production and resource management. During 2024–25, breeder seed production reached 109,370.2 quintals, while quality seed production stood at 433,114.7 quintals. Innovations in soil and water management, digital soil intelligence and sustainable agricultural technologies have further strengthened India’s agricultural productivity.
The latest estimates underline India’s growing agricultural capacity and reinforce the sector’s central role in ensuring food security, farmer welfare and economic growth.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
