India records highest ever foodgrain production in 2025-26: Third advance estimates

New Delhi: India is set to achieve its highest-ever foodgrain production in 2025-26, with total output estimated at 376.56 million tonnes, according to the Third Advance Estimates released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Tuesday.

The latest estimates show an increase of nearly 18.8 million tonnes, or 5.3%, compared to last year’s production of 357.73 million tonnes.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the record production reflects the impact of government efforts aimed at improving farm productivity and farmer welfare.

Rice production is estimated at a record 154.02 million tonnes, while wheat output is projected at 120.65 million tonnes. Maize production is also expected to touch a new high of 55.09 million tonnes.

Among pulses, gram production is estimated at 12.51 million tonnes, higher than last year, while tur production is expected to remain largely stable at 3.59 million tonnes.

Oilseed production is estimated at 43.05 million tonnes. Groundnut production is projected to reach a record 13.07 million tonnes, while rapeseed and mustard output is estimated at 13.76 million tonnes.

Sugarcane production is expected to witness a major jump, touching a record 500.06 million tonnes, up by over 45 million tonnes from the previous year. Cotton production is estimated at 29.02 million bales, while jute production is projected at 9.17 million bales.

The ministry said improved seed quality, climate-resilient crop varieties, better farm advisory services and increased use of scientific farming practices have contributed to the rise in agricultural production.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) released 339 crop varieties during 2025-26 suited for different agro-climatic regions across the country. The government also highlighted the role of outreach programmes such as the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in promoting modern farming techniques among farmers.

Officials said the estimates indicate strong growth across major cereals, pulses, oilseeds and commercial crops, with several categories reaching record output levels this year.