Foodgrain and Oilseed Output Set for Fluctuations

12-Dec-2025 01:04 PM

New Delhi. In its latest monthly report, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects India's gross rice production to reach an all-time high of 152 million tons during the 2025-26 marketing season, and wheat production to reach a new record high of 117.9 million tons, up from 113 million tons.

However, oilseed production is projected to decline from 41.5 million tons to 40.3 million tons. This production figure includes estimates for all three seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid.

In the current Rabi season, wheat production has increased to 24.14 million hectares, significantly higher than last year's sown area of ​​217.80 lakh hectares.

Farmers remain enthusiastic about cultivating this most important food grain during the Rabi season.

According to a USDA report, during the 2025-26 Kharif season, India's rice acreage increased to a new record high of 44.1 million hectares, driven by heavy southwest monsoon rains.

This is expected to significantly boost rice production. In some areas, farmers prioritized rice cultivation over cotton.

Regarding oilseed crops, although the area under cultivation has increased to 8.41 million hectares in the current Rabi season, an increase from last year's 8.17 million hectares, the total annual oilseed production is estimated to decline by approximately 1.2 million tonnes.

The soybean crop suffered losses due to excess rainfall and severe floods during the Kharif season. However, the peanut crop performed generally well.

The mustard acreage is increasing in the current Rabi season, and weather conditions remain largely favorable.