Driven by optimistic monsoon forecast, Centre eyes record grain output to boost food security and rural income
NEW DELHI, 9 May 2025: India has set an ambitious foodgrain production target of 354.64 million tonnes for the 2025–26 crop year, banking on the forecast of a favourable monsoon, a senior government official said on Thursday.
The target marks a significant increase over the current year’s goal of 341.55 million tonnes for the 2024–25 crop year (July–June). Foodgrain output includes rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals.
So far, India has produced 330.92 million tonnes during the ongoing Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2024–25. Final numbers will rise after zaid season estimates are released. In 2023–24, zaid output stood at 16.5 million tonnes, representing a critical contribution between the Rabi harvest and Kharif sowing cycle.
For the 2025–26 crop year, the government aims to harvest:
- 147.35 million tonnes of rice, grown across all three agricultural seasons,
- 117.40 million tonnes of wheat, grown exclusively in the Rabi season.
In comparison, rice production for 2024–25 is currently estimated at 136.44 million tonnes, while wheat production is projected at 115.43 million tonnes.
The target reflects India's ongoing efforts to enhance food security, support farm incomes, and navigate the risks posed by climate change, monsoon variability, and global food price volatility.
