India's Food Grain Production Reaches Record 332.22 Million Tons in 2023-24 Marketing Year

India's food grain production reached a record 332.22 million tons in the 2023/24 marketing year, which ended in June, thanks to bumper wheat and rice crops, the Ministry of Agriculture reported on Wednesday. The final estimate for 2023-24 shows an increase of 2.61 million tons compared to the previous year's 329.6 million tons, the ministry said in a statement.

Rice production reached a record 137.82 million tons, up from 135.75 million tons in 2022-23.

The wheat harvest also hit a high of 113.29 million tons compared to 110.55 million tons the previous year.

However, pulses production declined to 24.24 million tons from 26.05 million tons, and oilseeds output fell to 39.66 million tons from 41.35 million tons.

The ministry attributed the decline in production of pulses, coarse cereals, soybeans, and cotton to "drought-like conditions in southern states, including Maharashtra, and prolonged drought in August, especially in Rajasthan."

Sugarcane production decreased to 453.15 million tons from 490.53 million tons, and cotton output fell to 32.52 million bales (1 bale equals 170 kg) from 33.66 million bales.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, India's corn production in the 2023/24 marketing year totaled 37.67 million tons.

The food grains basket includes rice, wheat, coarse cereals, millets, and pulses.

These estimates are based on information received from states and union territories, the ministry added.