New Delhi: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, has released the Second Advance Estimates of major agricultural crops for the 2025–26 season. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government continues to work towards improving farmers’ prosperity, leading to steady growth in the agriculture sector.
Strong Growth in Kharif and Rabi Foodgrain Production
According to the estimates, India’s foodgrain production remains strong in both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Kharif foodgrain production is estimated at 1741.44 lakh metric tonnes, while Rabi foodgrain production is estimated at 1745.13 lakh metric tonnes.
Compared to the previous year, Kharif production has increased by 46 lakh metric tonnes (2.8%), while Rabi production has increased by 53 lakh metric tonnes (3.2%), reflecting positive growth in agricultural output.
Record Rice Production
Kharif rice production is estimated to reach a record 1239.28 lakh metric tonnes, up from 1227.72 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25, showing an increase of 11.56 lakh metric tonnes. Rabi rice production is expected to be 167.20 lakh metric tonnes.
Wheat Production at Record Level
Wheat production is projected to reach 1202.10 lakh metric tonnes, marking a record output and an increase of 22.65 lakh metric tonnes compared to last year’s production of 1179.45 lakh metric tonnes.
Increase in Maize and Nutri-Cereals
Maize production is also expected to reach record levels. Kharif maize production is estimated at 302.47 lakh metric tonnes, while Rabi maize production is estimated at 159.03 lakh metric tonnes.
Production of nutri-cereals such as bajra, jowar and ragi is also increasing. Kharif nutri-cereal production is estimated at 123.43 lakh metric tonnes, while Rabi nutri-cereal production is estimated at 30.98 lakh metric tonnes.
Pulses and Other Crop Production
Among pulses, tur (pigeon pea) production is estimated at 34.55 lakh metric tonnes, gram (chickpea) at 117.92 lakh metric tonnes, and lentil (masoor) at 17.33 lakh metric tonnes.
Kharif groundnut production is expected to reach a record 112.94 lakh metric tonnes, while Rabi groundnut production is estimated at 7.97 lakh metric tonnes.
Oilseeds and Commercial Crops
Among oilseeds, soybean production is estimated at 127.20 lakh metric tonnes, while rapeseed and mustard production is expected to reach 133.31 lakh metric tonnes.
Meanwhile, sugarcane production is estimated at 5001.97 lakh metric tonnes. Cotton production is estimated at 290.91 lakh bales (each bale weighing 170 kg), while jute production is estimated at 81.27 lakh bales (each bale weighing 180 kg).
Methodology Used for Estimates
The estimates have been prepared using crop area data reported by states, along with inputs from remote sensing technology, the Weekly Weather Monitoring Group, and Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE). Historical production trends and other relevant factors were also considered.
Since crop cutting experiments for some crops are still ongoing, these estimates may be revised once additional data becomes available.
For more information, visit the official website upag.gov.in.
