India’s foodgrain production is projected to have risen by 6.6 per cent in 2024–25, marking the fastest growth in eight years and reaching a record 354 million tonnes (MT). Key crops such as paddy, wheat, maize, groundnuts, and soybean all reported their highest-ever yields during the crop year

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan credited the record-breaking foodgrain output in 2024-25 to the Centre’s farmer-friendly policies, including fair pricing, loss compensation, and low-interest loans, along with their effective implementation by state governments.

Overall foodgrain production is steadily increasing. However, efforts are ongoing to further boost pulses and oilseeds output.

According to the estimates, wheat production was revised upward to 117 million tonnes (MT) for 2024-25, up from the earlier forecast of 115 MT and last year’s 113 MT. Paddy output is expected to hit a record 149 MT, compared to 138 MT in 2023-24, while maize production is projected at 42 MT. Coarse cereals production is estimated at 6 MT, higher than the previous year. Pulses are estimated at 25 MT, up from 24 MT last year, and oilseeds production is forecast at 43 MT, rising from nearly 40 MT previously.

Specifically, soybean production is estimated at 15.1 MT—2.1 MT more than last year—and groundnut production at 11.2 MT, an increase of 1.7 MT. Sugarcane production is also estimated to be strong at 450 MT.

Chouhan highlighted that rising maize production, combined with measures like fair pricing, loss compensation, and low-interest loans, have contributed to robust foodgrain reserves in the country. He further emphasized on ongoing efforts to enhance pulses and oilseeds output.

This record agricultural performance is a positive sign for the rural economy, especially amid global uncertainties.