Historic agricultural growth fueled by government initiatives and farmer efforts
A historic chapter has been written in the annals of Indian agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released the final crop estimates for 2024-25, revealing that the nation has achieved an all-time high in harvest numbers. According to the data released on Wednesday, India’s total Record foodgrain production has surged to a staggering 357.73 million tonnes.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced these figures, highlighting a remarkable growth trajectory. Compared to the 2023-24 output of 332.30 million tonnes, this year has seen an increase of roughly 8%. The Minister emphasized that this success is not an overnight phenomenon but the result of consistent efforts over the last decade. Since the 2015-16 fiscal year, the country has added over 106 million tonnes to its food basket, showcasing the resilience and hard work of the farming community under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Major Gains in Rice and Wheat
For states with a strong agrarian base, the breakdown of these figures is promising. Rice, a staple for a vast majority of the population, saw production climb to a record 1,501.84 lakh tonnes. This is a significant jump of over 123 lakh tonnes compared to the previous year. Similarly, wheat production has scaled new heights, reaching 1,179.45 lakh tonnes.
The data also points to a robust revival in coarse cereals and maize. Maize production alone is estimated at 434.09 lakh tonnes, while ‘Shri Anna’ (millets) continues to gain traction with an output of 185.92 lakh tonnes.
Success in Oilseeds and Pulses
One of the most critical aspects of this year's report is the performance of the Oilseed output increase. Reducing import dependency on edible oils has been a government priority, and the results are visible. Total oilseed production has touched nearly 43 million tonnes (429.89 lakh tonnes). This sector was driven by bumper harvests in soybean and groundnut, which grew by over 22 lakh tonnes and 17 lakh tonnes, respectively.
Shri Chouhan also expressed optimism regarding the 'Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission.' He noted that the MSP for pulses—specifically for crops like Tur, Urad, and Moong—has provided a safety net that is encouraging more farmers to diversify their crops.
While wrapping up the announcement, the Minister held strategic discussions with senior officials to maintain this momentum. He reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring that welfare schemes translate into tangible benefits for farmers, securing both their livelihoods and the nation’s food security.
