Record rice production in Kharif 2024-25, while pulses decline

India’s Kharif foodgrain production for the 2024-25 season is expected to reach a record 164.7 million tonnes (MT), a significant increase from last year. Although pulse production has seen a noticeable decline, higher production of rice, maize, and jowar (sorghum) are the main drivers of this growth decline.

Rice production is projected to hit a record 119.9 million tonnes (MT), 5.8% higher than last year, due to favorable rainfall during the southwest monsoon, boosting paddy cultivation in key states.

This surge in rice production is part of a larger boost in Kharif foodgrains, with total foodgrain output estimated at 1647.05 lakh metric tonnes (LMT). This is 89.37 LMT more than last year and 124.59 LMT higher than the average Kharif production. 

The total production of Kharif Rice during 2024-25 is estimated to be 1199.34 LMT which is higher by 66.75 LMT than the previous year kharif rice production and 114.83 LMT higher than average kharif rice production. The Kharif Maize production is estimated at 245.41 LMT and Kharif Nutri/coarse cereals is estimated to be 378.18 LMT. Further, the total Kharif pulses production during 2024-25 is estimated to be 69.54 LMT.

Declining pulses production

The Kharif pulses situation is less favourable. Total pulses production is expected to fall to 6.9 million tonnes (MT), down from 7.2 MT last year. This is the lowest figure in nine years, due to reduced cultivation area and excessive rainfall in major growing regions.

Urad (black gram) production has dropped sharply, falling by 25% from 1.6 million tonnes in 2023-24 to 1.2 million tonnes in 2024-25. Moong (green gram) production is expected to rise slightly to 1.3 MT, but still below the decade average of 1.4 MT. On a positive note, tur (pigeon pea) production has surpassed average levels, providing a bright spot in the pulse sector.

For the first time, the Ministry of Agriculture has used data from the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The survey, aimed at replacing the old manual Girdawari system, has provided more accurate crop area estimates, particularly for rice. In states like Uttar Pradesh, the area under rice cultivation has increased significantly, thanks to the new survey method.

Oilseed production is expected to increase by 6.5% compared to last year. The total production for 2024–25 is projected at 257.45 LMT, driven by higher groundnut (103.6 LMT) and soybean (133.6 LMT) yields.

Conversely, sugarcane, cotton, and jute crops are expected to decline. Sugarcane production is projected at 4399.30 LMT, while cotton and jute production are estimated at 299.26 lakh bales and 84.56 lakh bales, respectively.

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