New Delhi, March 10 (UNI) The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Tuesday released the Second Advance Estimates of production of major agricultural crops for 2025-26.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the estimates, indicating strong foodgrain output during both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
According to the estimates, Kharif foodgrain production is pegged at 1741.44 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), while Rabi foodgrain production is estimated at 1745.13 LMT, both higher than last year’s levels. The ministry said the estimates indicate a strong and near-record foodgrain production scenario for the year.
Rice production during the Kharif season is estimated at 1239.28 LMT, up from 1227.72 LMT in 2024–25. Rabi rice production is estimated at 167.20 LMT.
Wheat production is estimated at 1202.10 LMT, an increase of 22.65 LMT compared with last year’s output of 1179.45 LMT, indicating a record harvest.
Among pulses, tur production is estimated at 34.55 LMT, gram at 117.92 LMT, and lentil at 17.33 LMT.
Production of nutri or coarse cereals is also expected to remain strong. Kharif maize production is estimated at a record 302.47 LMT, while Rabi maize production is pegged at a record 159.03 LMT.
Production of Shree Anna (millets) is estimated at 123.43 LMT in Kharif and 30.98 LMT in Rabi.
In the oilseeds segment, Kharif oilseeds production is estimated at 265.33 LMT, while Rabi oilseeds output is estimated at 144.65 LMT.
Kharif groundnut production is estimated at 112.94 LMT, higher than last year, while soybean production is pegged at 127.20 LMT. Rapeseed and mustard production is estimated at a record 133.31 LMT.
Among commercial crops, sugarcane production is estimated at a record 5001.97 LMT, while cotton production is pegged at 290.91 lakh bales (170 kg each). Jute production is estimated at 81.27 lakh bales (180 kg each).
The ministry said the crop area data received from states was validated using inputs from remote sensing, the Weekly Crop Weather Watch Group and other agencies.
Yield estimates are based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), past trends and other factors.
The summer season estimates will be included in the Third Advance Estimates, the ministry added, noting that some crop yield assessments are still ongoing and figures may be revised in subsequent estimates.
