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India's Foodgrain Output Hits Record High, Boosting Farmer Support

India has achieved a historic foodgrain production of 357.73 million metric tonnes for the 2024-25 agricultural year. This growth is supported by rising agricultural exports, which reached $51.1 billion in FY25. Simultaneously, horticulture production has surged to 362.08 million tonnes, indicating a structural shift towards high-value crops. The nation solidifies its position as a global agricultural leader, ranking as the world's second-largest producer of both rice and wheat.

Key Points: India's Record Foodgrain Output & Agricultural Export Growth

  • Record 357.73 MMT foodgrain output
  • Agri exports hit $51.1 billion
  • Horticulture production reaches 362.08 MT
  • Shift towards high-value processed foods
2 min read

India clocks unprecedented foodgrain output, boosts institutional support to farmers

India achieves a record 357.73 MMT foodgrain output in 2024-25, with agri exports reaching $51.1 billion, highlighting a major agricultural transformation.

"India recorded an unprecedented foodgrain output of 357.73 million metric tonnes - Official Fact-Sheet"

New Delhi, April 4

India recorded an unprecedented foodgrain output of 357.73 million metric tonnes in the agricultural year 2024-25, marking an increase of 25.43 million metric tonnes over the preceding year, reflecting sustained gains in productivity, improved input management and strengthened institutional support to farmers, an official fact-sheet said on Saturday.

The increase was primarily driven by higher production of rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals (including millets, designated as Shree Anna).

Meanwhile, agricultural exports have grown steadily in recent years. Agricultural export earnings increased from $34.5 billion in FY20 to $51.1 billion in FY25, reflecting a CAGR of 8.2 per cent. In FY25, agri-food exports, including processed food products, amounted to $49.43 billion, accounting for about 11.2 per cent of total exports.

Notably, the share of processed food exports has also risen consistently, from 14.9 per cent in FY18 to 20.4 percent in FY25, indicating a progressive shift toward higher value-added within the agricultural export basket, according to the official statement.

The fact-sheet said that horticulture has simultaneously emerged as a major driver of agricultural transformation and value addition. Total horticulture production reached 362.08 million tonnes (MT) in 2024-25, indicating a structural shift towards high-value crops.

According to the second advance estimates, production increased from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 367.72 million tonnes in 2024-25.

This output comprises approximately 114.51 million tonnes of fruits, 219.67 million tonnes of vegetables, and 33.54 million tonnes from other horticultural crops.

India ranks as the world's second-largest producer of both rice and wheat, with output reaching 150.18 million tonnes of rice and 117.94 million tonnes of wheat during the agricultural year 2024-25.

Rice production is primarily concentrated in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal. At the same time, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab constitute the leading wheat-producing regions, reflecting the geographic concentration of cereal production within the country.

The gradual scaling of both foodgrain and horticultural production underscores India's strengthening domestic agricultural base and its growing prominence in global agri-food systems, according to the fact-sheet.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great numbers, but I hope this prosperity is reaching the small and marginal farmers. The article mentions institutional support - are MSPs being paid on time? Are co-operatives strong? The output is impressive, but fair distribution of the gains is key.
A
Arjun K
The shift to processed foods in exports (from 14.9% to 20.4%) is a very positive sign. It means more jobs in food processing units and less waste. We need to build more cold chains and food parks to support this trend.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in agri-tech, these numbers are encouraging. The increase shows adoption of better seeds and practices. The next challenge is sustainable water use, especially in Punjab and Haryana for wheat. Productivity gains must not come at the cost of groundwater.
V
Vikram M
Horticulture production crossing 360 million tonnes is huge! More fruits and vegetables mean better nutrition for our people. Hope the government's focus on 'per drop, more crop' and soil health cards continues to help farmers achieve this.
K
Karthik V
While we celebrate, let's not forget the volatility of farming. One bad monsoon can change everything. We need to strengthen crop insurance and disaster relief funds so that farmers are protected. The institutional support must be robust year-round, not just in good years.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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