The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released the First Advance Estimates for the 2024-25 Kharif crop season, forecasting a record food grain production of 164.70 million tonnes (MT). This marks an increase of 8.93 million tonnes over last year’s production. Key crops, including rice, maize, and groundnut, are expected to see record yields, driven by favorable weather conditions and advancements in crop area estimation techniques.

Record Rice and Maize Production

India’s Kharif Rice production for 2024-25 is expected to reach 119.93 million tonnes, a 6.67 million tonnes increase over last year’s production and 11.48 million tonnes higher than the average. Maize production is also forecast to hit a record 24.54 million tonnes, while production of nutri/coarse cereals is projected at 37.81 million tonnes. Together, these crops are expected to contribute significantly to the overall rise in food grain output.

Pulses and Oilseeds

In the pulses category, the total Kharif pulses production is estimated at 6.95 million tonnes, with notable increases in Tur (3.50 million tonnes), Urad (1.20 million tonnes), and Moong (1.383 million tonnes). On the oilseeds front, total production is projected to reach 25.74 million tonnes, marking a rise of 1.58 million tonnes compared to the previous year. Groundnut is expected to yield 10.36 million tonnes, while soybean production is estimated at 13.36 million tonnes.

Other Major Crops

The 2024-25 Kharif Sugarcane production is estimated at 43.99 million tonnes, and Cotton production is forecast at 29.92 million bales (of 170 kg each). Jute and Mesta production is expected to be 8.45 million bales (of 180 kg each).