NEW DELHI, 1 June 2026: India has emerged as the world's largest rice producer, overtaking China, while also setting new records in overall foodgrain, wheat, maize and oilseeds production during the 2025-26 crop year, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the National Kharif Campaign 2026 Conclave at the Pusa Complex in New Delhi, Chouhan said the country's agricultural sector has achieved unprecedented production levels due to the combined efforts of farmers, scientists, state governments and supportive policies of the Central Government.
"India has set a new record in rice production. Rice output has reached 1,540.24 lakh tonnes and India is now number one in the world. We have surpassed China," Chouhan said.
Record Foodgrain Production
According to the Agriculture Ministry, India's total foodgrain production for 2025-26 is estimated at 3,765.63 lakh tonnes, around 188 lakh tonnes higher than the previous year.
Besides rice, wheat production touched a record 1,206.57 lakh tonnes, while maize production reached 550.92 lakh tonnes, both setting new benchmarks for the country.
The minister said India has also achieved record output in oilseeds, with total production estimated at 430.59 lakh tonnes during the year.
Groundnut production is expected to reach 130.74 lakh tonnes, while rapeseed-mustard production is projected at 137.68 lakh tonnes, both at historic highs.
Pulse production has also increased and is expected to grow further in the coming years, he added.
Kharif Conclave Focuses on Agricultural Strategy
The two-day National Kharif Campaign 2026 Conclave, being held at the NASC Complex in New Delhi, has brought together agriculture ministers, senior officials, scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and policymakers from across the country.
Chouhan described the gathering as a meeting of "Team Agriculture," comprising the Centre, states, scientists and farmer representatives working together to prepare for the upcoming Kharif season.
The conclave is reviewing seed availability, crop planning, implementation of agricultural missions and measures to strengthen support systems for farmers.
Regional Approach to Agricultural Planning
The minister said the government has expanded agricultural consultations beyond the national conclave by organising regional conferences in Jaipur, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar, with additional meetings planned for northeastern and southern states.
He noted that agriculture practices vary significantly across India's agro-climatic zones, making region-specific planning essential for improving productivity and addressing local challenges.
Focus on Climate Resilience and Farmer Income
Chouhan highlighted climate change as one of the biggest challenges facing Indian agriculture, citing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and extreme weather events.
The conclave is discussing strategies related to natural farming, soil health management, balanced fertiliser use, integrated farming systems and climate-resilient agriculture.
The minister said special emphasis is being placed on increasing the incomes of small and marginal farmers through integrated farming models, improved access to agricultural credit, strengthening of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), digital agriculture initiatives and expansion of the Agri Infrastructure Fund.
Separate missions on pulses, oilseeds, horticulture and cotton are also being reviewed as part of the government's broader strategy to ensure food security, improve farmer livelihoods and enhance agricultural sustainability.
The discussions are expected to culminate in a joint Centre-state roadmap for the Kharif season, focusing on productivity enhancement, technology adoption and long-term agricultural resilience.
