Agriculture Ministry Projects Moderate Gains in Kharif Production Despite Localized Rainfall Damage

New Delhi, 27 November 2025 (ANN); The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released the first advance estimates for the production of major Kharif crops for 2025–26. According to the estimates, total food grain production during the season is expected to reach 173.33 million tonnes, an increase of 3.87 million tonnes compared to the previous year. Sowing for Kharif crops typically begins around June with the onset of the monsoon, and harvesting starts from October onwards.

The ministry noted that while some regions experienced crop damage due to excessive rainfall, most parts of the country received favourable monsoon conditions, supporting overall crop growth.

The estimates project Kharif rice production at 124.504 million tonnes, an increase of 1.732 million tonnes from the previous season. Kharif maize output is estimated at 28.303 million tonnes, up by 3.495 million tonnes from last year.

Total coarse cereals production for the season is expected to be 41.414 million tonnes, while pulses production is estimated at 7.413 million tonnes. Within this category, the projections include 3.597 million tonnes of tur (arhar), 1.205 million tonnes of urad, and 1.720 million tonnes of moong.

Kharif oilseed production is estimated at 27.563 million tonnes. This includes 11.093 million tonnes of groundnut, an increase of 0.681 million tonnes from the previous year, and 14.266 million tonnes of soybean. Sugarcane production is projected at 475.614 million tonnes, reflecting an increase of 21.003 million tonnes. Cotton production is estimated at 29.215 million bales (170 kg each), while jute and mesta output is projected at 8.345 million bales.

The ministry stated that the estimates are based on historical yield trends, field-level inputs, regional assessments, and data provided by states. The figures may be revised once crop-cutting experiment data becomes available.