Foodgrain output hits record high at 357.73 million tonnes

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released the final estimates of foodgrains production for the 2024-25 crop year on November 20. 

• India’s foodgrain production rose 8 per cent to record 357.73 million tonnes in the 2024-25 crop year ended June, according to the government data.

• The foodgrain production stood at 332.29 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year (July-June).

• Chouhan highlighted that the country’s foodgrain production in the last 10 years has increased from 251.54 million tonnes in 2015-16 to reach 357.73 million tonnes in 2024-25.

• The minister said the record foodgrain production is because of the farmers’ efforts and the government policies, including higher minimum support price (MSP) and procurement.

• According to the final estimate, wheat output stood at a record 117.94 million tonnes in 2024-25 against 113.29 million tonnes in the preceding year.

• Rice production rose to a record 150.18 million tonnes from 137.82 million tonnes in 2023-24.

• The production of coarse cereals also grew to 63.92 million tonnes against 56.93 million tonnes.

• Pulse production increased to 25.68 million tonnes compared to 24.24 million tonnes.

• In the non-foodgrains category, the production of oilseeds rose to 42.98 million tonnes from 39.66 million tonnes.

• In cash crops, sugarcane production stood at 454.61 million tonnes against 453.15 million tonnes.

• However, the cotton output declined to 29.72 million bales of 170 kg each in the 2024-25 crop year compared to 32.52 million bales in the preceding year.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)