The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the Second Advance Estimates of production of major agricultural crops for 2025-26, indicating a strong outlook for the country’s foodgrain output during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the estimates and said the agricultural sector continues to make steady progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the estimates, Kharif foodgrain production is projected at 1,741.44 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) while Rabi foodgrain output is estimated at 1,745.13 LMT. This represents an increase of about 46 LMT (2.8%) for Kharif and 53 LMT (3.2%) for Rabi compared with last year’s production.
The ministry said the estimates are based on data provided by states and validated using remote sensing inputs, crop weather monitoring and yield data from Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs). The upcoming Third Advance Estimates will also include production from the summer season.
Rice and wheat production
Rice production is expected to remain strong in both cropping seasons. Kharif rice production is estimated at 1,239.28 LMT, up from 1,227.72 LMT in 2024-25, while Rabi rice output is projected at 167.20 LMT.
Wheat production is estimated at a record 1,202.10 LMT, an increase of 22.65 LMT over last year’s output of 1,179.45 LMT.
Strong performance in coarse cereals and maize
Production of nutri or coarse cereals has also shown significant growth. Kharif maize production is estimated at a record 302.47 LMT, while Rabi maize production is projected at 159.03 LMT, both the highest on record.
Overall, production of Kharif nutri/coarse cereals is estimated at 425.89 LMT and Rabi nutri/coarse cereals at 213.41 LMT.
The production of Shree Anna (millets) is estimated at 123.43 LMT in the Kharif season and 30.98 LMT in the Rabi season.
Pulses production
Among pulses, tur production is estimated at 34.55 LMT, gram at 117.92 LMT, and lentil at 17.33 LMT.
Oilseeds and commercial crops
Oilseed production also remains strong. Kharif oilseeds output is estimated at 265.33 LMT, while Rabi oilseeds production is projected at 144.65 LMT.
Groundnut production is estimated at 112.94 LMT in the Kharif season, higher than last year’s output, while Rabi groundnut production is estimated at 7.97 LMT. Soybean production is projected at 127.20 LMT, and rapeseed and mustard production at a record 133.31 LMT.
Among major commercial crops, sugarcane production is estimated at a record 5,001.97 LMT, while cotton production is projected at 290.91 lakh bales (170 kg each). Jute production is estimated at 81.27 lakh bales (180 kg each).
The Ministry said that some yield assessments are still underway, particularly for crops such as tur, sugarcane and castor. Final production figures may be revised in later estimates as more crop cutting experiment data becomes available.
