New Delhi, May 28, India is set to achieve a record foodgrain production of 3539.59 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in the 2024–25 crop year, according to the Third Advance Estimates released today by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
This marks a significant 6.5% increase (216.61 LMT) compared to last year’s production of 3322.98 LMT, making it the highest ever in the country’s history.
Major Crops Break All-Time Records
Minister Chouhan highlighted that the record output is driven by bumper harvests in several key crops. The estimated production figures are as follows:
- Rice: 1490.74 LMT (↑112.49 LMT from 2023-24)
- Wheat: 1175.07 LMT (↑42.15 LMT)
- Maize: 422.81 LMT (Highest ever)
- Pulses: 252.38 LMT (↑9.92 LMT)
- Oilseeds: 426.09 LMT (↑29.40 LMT)
- Groundnut: 118.96 LMT
- Soybean: 151.80 LMT
- Rapeseed-Mustard: 126.06 LMT
- Sugarcane: 4501.16 LMT
- Cotton: 306.92 lakh bales (170 kg each)
- Jute: 84.33 lakh bales (180 kg each)
Farmers, Science, and Government Schemes Behind the Success
Minister Chouhan attributed the milestone to the relentless efforts of Indian farmers, the skills of agricultural scientists, and the farmer-centric policies of the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He noted that schemes like:
- PM-KISAN
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
- Subsidized fertilizers
- Farm mechanization programs
- “Per Drop, More Crop” initiative
have played a crucial role in improving productivity and ensuring food security.
“From Field to Granary: A National Effort” – Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Speaking at a press briefing, Chouhan stated:
“This achievement is the result of a combined national effort — the hard work of farmers, the scientific innovations in agriculture, and the effective implementation of welfare schemes. India’s granaries are full, and we are moving toward self-reliance in food production.”
Focus Areas: Pulses and Oilseeds
The Minister also stressed the need for further increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds, which are crucial to India’s nutritional and economic security. Efforts are underway to expand cultivation and improve yield quality in these categories.
Key Highlights (2024-25 Third Advance Estimates)
| Crop | 2024-25 Estimate (LMT) | Increase Over 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Foodgrains | 3539.59 | +216.61 LMT |
| Rice | 1490.74 | +112.49 LMT |
| Wheat | 1175.07 | +42.15 LMT |
| Maize | 422.81 | Record High |
| Pulses | 252.38 | +9.92 LMT |
| Oilseeds | 426.09 | +29.40 LMT |
| Sugarcane | 4501.16 | Stable |
| Cotton | 306.92 lakh bales | — |