India’s Foodgrain Production Estimated at Record 376 Million Tonnes in 2025-26
Centre prepares Kharif strategy to tackle El Nino threat as foodgrain harvest touches historic high
NEW DELHI, May 28 : India’s foodgrain production is estimated to have touched an all time high of 376 million tonnes during the 2025-26 crop year, marking a rise of over five per cent compared to the previous year’s output of 357 million tonnes, according to the latest estimates released by the agriculture ministry on Wednesday.
With forecasts indicating a weaker monsoon ahead, the Centre has begun preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 Kharif season to reduce possible disruptions linked to El Nino conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected below-normal rainfall this monsoon season amid increasing chances of El Nino, a weather pattern often associated with deficient rains across the country.
Past agricultural records show that erratic monsoon conditions significantly affected the production of major Kharif crops, including paddy and maize, in several districts across different states.
To address emerging climate related risks, the agriculture ministry will hold a two-day national conference on Kharif planning beginning Thursday under the chairmanship of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The discussions will focus on climate-resilient farming practices, expansion of pulses and oilseeds cultivation, promotion of natural farming, digital agriculture initiatives, financial safeguards for farmers and risk-management mechanisms aimed at protecting crop productivity during adverse weather conditions.
