India Set for Record Wheat Production: USDA

07-Apr-2025 11:03 AM

India Set for Record Wheat Production: USDA
★ According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), India is heading toward a record wheat production of 1,150 lakh tonnes in 2025–26 for the third consecutive year.
★ This growth is attributed to record sowing and favorable weather conditions.
★ India’s Agriculture Ministry also projected wheat production at 1,153 lakh tonnes for 2024–25.
★ Despite the strong output, the wheat export ban imposed in May 2022 is unlikely to be lifted.
★ Similarly, there is little expectation of opening up for wheat imports.
★ The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research stated that based on current crop conditions, production may even exceed 1,150 lakh tonnes, while trade estimates place it at around 1,100 lakh tonnes—up from 1,060 lakh tonnes in 2023–24.
★ For the 2025–26 marketing year (April–June), government procurement has already crossed 20 lakh tonnes, compared to just 4.5 lakh tonnes during the same period last year.
★ So far, wheat arrivals in mandis have reached 38 lakh tonnes, significantly higher than 15.3 lakh tonnes at this time last year.
★ Last year, a total of 266 lakh tonnes of wheat was procured, of which 184 lakh tonnes were distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) as free annual rations.