17 March 2026, New Delhi: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has released the Second Advance Estimates of production for major agricultural crops for the 2025–26 crop year, indicating a strong and record-breaking performance in both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while approving the estimates, stated that the sector continues to show steady growth under the leadership of Narendra Modi, driven by policy support, technology adoption, and improved crop monitoring systems.
The estimates are based on validated crop area data received from states, supported by inputs from remote sensing, the Weekly Crop Weather Watch Group, and yield assessments from Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs). While Kharif estimates are largely CCE-based, Rabi figures remain provisional and subject to revision in subsequent estimates.
Record Foodgrain Production
India’s total foodgrain production outlook remains robust. Kharif foodgrain production is estimated at 1741.44 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), while Rabi production is projected at 1745.13 LMT, marking increases of 2.8% and 3.2%, respectively, over the previous year.
Rice and wheat continue to anchor India’s food security. Kharif rice production is estimated at a record 1239.28 LMT, while wheat production is projected at an all-time high of 1202.10 LMT, reflecting strong acreage and favourable climatic conditions.
Strong Growth in Coarse Cereals and Pulses
Nutri/coarse cereals have shown significant expansion, led by record maize production in both seasons. Kharif maize output is estimated at 302.47 LMT, while Rabi maize stands at 159.03 LMT, both record levels.
Among pulses, gram production is estimated at 117.92 LMT, followed by tur at 34.55 LMT and lentil at 17.33 LMT, indicating stable domestic supply.
Oilseeds and Commercial Crops Perform Well
Oilseed production remains strong, with soybean estimated at 127.20 LMT and rapeseed & mustard reaching a record 133.31 LMT. Groundnut production has also increased significantly in the Kharif season.
Among commercial crops, sugarcane production is estimated at a record 5001.97 LMT, while cotton output is projected at 290.91 lakh bales and jute at 81.27 lakh bales.
The Ministry noted that final production figures may undergo revision as more accurate yield data from ongoing Crop Cutting Experiments becomes available.
Crop Production Estimates 2025–26 (Second Advance Estimates)
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