India has achieved a historic milestone in agricultural production, with total foodgrain output estimated at 376.563 million tons in 2025–26, according to the Third Advance Estimates released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The production is nearly 18.8 million tons higher than the 357.732 million tons recorded in 2024–25, reflecting a growth of 5.3 percent and marking the highest foodgrain production in the country’s history.
Releasing the estimates, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the achievement reflects the government’s sustained efforts to strengthen the agriculture sector and improve farmers’ prosperity.
The estimates indicate that rice production is expected to reach a record 154.024 million tons, compared with 150.184 million tons in the previous year. Wheat production is projected at 120.657 million tons, up from 117.945 million tons in 2024–25. Maize production is estimated at a record 55.093 million tons, registering a substantial increase from last year’s 43.409 million tons. Production of Shree Anna (millets) is estimated at 17.584 million tons, while total output of coarse and nutritious cereals is projected at 74.472 million tons.
Among pulses, tur production is estimated at 3.592 million tons, broadly in line with last year’s 3.624 million tons. Gram production is expected to rise to 12.514 million tons from 11.114 million tons a year ago, while lentil production is estimated at 1.762 million tons.
Total oilseeds production is projected at 43.059 million tons. Groundnut production is estimated at a record 13.074 million tons, compared with 11.942 million tons in the previous year. Soybean production is expected to reach 12.596 million tons, while rapeseed and mustard production is estimated at a record 13.768 million tons, up from 12.667 million tons in 2024–25.
Among commercial crops, sugarcane production is estimated at a record 500.063 million tons, an increase of 45.452 million tons over last year’s output of 454.611 million tons. Cotton production is projected at 29.024 million bales of 170 kg each, while jute production is estimated at 9.176 million bales of 180 kg each.
Chouhan said the Third Advance Estimates reflect a strong production outlook across foodgrains, cereals, pulses, oilseeds and commercial crops, with several commodities reaching record levels. He also highlighted the contribution of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and its institutions in enhancing agricultural productivity through the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, improved rainfed farming technologies and the effective transfer of research outcomes to farmers. He noted that these scientific advancements have played a significant role in strengthening the country’s agricultural performance and supporting higher crop yields.