India has achieved a historic milestone in agricultural output, with foodgrain production for 2024–25 touching an all-time high of 357.73 million tonnes. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan released the final crop production estimates in New Delhi on Thursday and congratulated farmers for their contribution to the achievement.
The Minister noted that the increase represents the highest rise in foodgrain production in the past ten years. Output has grown by 106 million tonnes since 2015–16, when production stood at 251.54 million tonnes.
According to the estimates, rice production has reached a record 1501.84 lakh tonnes, up by 123.59 lakh tonnes from last year. Wheat output has also touched a record 1179.45 lakh tonnes, registering an increase of 46.53 lakh tonnes over the previous year. Maize production is estimated at 434.09 lakh tonnes, while the total output of nutri and coarse cereals stands at 639.21 lakh tonnes. The production of millets, categorised as ‘Shri Anna’, is estimated at 185.92 lakh tonnes.
The estimates reflect a notable rise in the production of pulses. Total pulses output is pegged at 256.83 lakh tonnes. Moong output has increased to 42.44 lakh tonnes and chickpea production stands at 111.14 lakh tonnes.
Oilseeds have also recorded their highest output to date at 429.89 lakh tonnes, an increase of 33.20 lakh tonnes compared to last year. The growth has been driven largely by record soybean production of 152.68 lakh tonnes and groundnut output of 119.42 lakh tonnes. Rapeseed and mustard production is estimated at 126.67 lakh tonnes.
Among other major crops, sugarcane production is estimated at 4546.11 lakh tonnes. Cotton output stands at 297.24 lakh bales (170 kg each) and jute and mesta output at 88.02 lakh bales (180 kg each).
After releasing the estimates, the Agriculture Minister held a review meeting with senior officials to discuss future strategies. He expressed confidence that the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission will accelerate growth in pulse production in the coming years. He said ongoing agricultural welfare programmes are contributing to sustained improvements in the sector.
Chouhan noted that MSP procurement for tur, urad, chana and moong is providing major support to farmers across the country and reaffirmed that agriculture and farmers remain a top priority for the government. He added that continued policy support and targeted initiatives would maintain the positive momentum in agricultural production.