Government estimates record production of foodgrains, dip in soybean cultivation

Production of wheat, a rabi crop, is estimated at 1202.10 LMT, which is higher by 22.65 LMT as compared to previous year’s production of 1179.45 LMT.
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SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA

The foodgrain production scenario in the country appears very strong and at a record level, the Second Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2025–26, released by Union Agriculture Ministry here on Tuesday, has noted. Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Government is continuously working towards the development of agricultural sector and for the prosperity of farmers. “As a result, our agriculture sector is making steady progress,” the Minister said.

The yield estimates are based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), previous trends and other contributing factors. The Second Advance Estimates covers Kharif and Rabi season. The Government data reported that the foodgrain production in kharif is estimated at 1741.44 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) and rabi foodgrain production at 1745.13 LMT. “This is approximately 46 LMT (2.8%) and 53 LMT (3.2%) higher, respectively, compared to last year’s kharif foodgrain production of 1694.60 LMT and rabi foodgrain production of 1691.66 LMT,” the Ministry said.

The production of rice, a major kharif crop, is estimated at 1239.28 LMT as compared to 1227.72 LMT in 2024-25, an increase of 11.56 LMT. Production of rice during rabi is estimated at 167.20 LMT. Production of wheat, a rabi crop, is estimated at 1202.10 LMT, which is higher by 22.65 LMT as compared to previous year’s production of 1179.45 LMT. Production of millets during kharif is estimated at 123.43 LMT and in rabi at 30.98 LMT. “Kharif maize production is estimated at a record 302.47 LMT and rabi maize production at a record 159.03 LMT, resulting in strong growth in nutri/coarse cereals as well. Nutri/coarse cereals (kharif) production is estimated at 425.89 LMT and nutri/coarse cereals (rabi) production at 213.41 LMT,” the Government added.

Production of pulses, tur and gram, is estimated at 34.55 LMT and 117.92 LMT, respectively and the production of lentil is estimated at 17.33 LMT. The production of groundnut, during both the crop seasons, is estimated at 112.94 LMT (kharif) and 7.97 LMT (rabi). “Kharif groundnut production is higher by 8.82 LMT as compared to previous year Kharif groundnut production of 104.12 LMT,” the release added.

The production of Soybean is estimated at 127.20 LMT, a decrease from 151.32 LMT in last year, and rapeseed & mustard is estimated at 133.31 LMT. The production of cotton is estimated at 290.91 lakh bales (of 170 Kg each) and production of sugarcane is estimated at 5001.97 LMT.