India sets new record for grain production

India recorded its ninth consecutive record harvest of major field crops in 2024-25, according to the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), citing estimates from India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW). The total grain harvest, including rice, wheat, corn, and barley, reached 357.7 million tonnes—more than 25 million tonnes above last year’s record, according to MoAFW. Rice production saw the largest year-on-year increase, reaching 150 million tonnes—almost 13 million tonnes more than in 2023-24. Wheat production increased to 113.2 million tonnes, compared to 110.5 million tonnes in the previous year. FAS notes that record yields are likely to continue in 2025-26. Rice production is forecast to reach a record high of 151 million tonnes, while maize production is expected to reach 44 million tonnes. “An above-normal monsoon in 2025 is likely to support the grain harvest next season,” the FAS reports. Following rice export restrictions from 2022 to 2024 to ...