★ After achieving a record foodgrain production of 376.56 million tonnes in 2025-26, the Government of India has set a target of 373.93 million tonnes for the 2026-27 crop year, 2.63 million tonnes lower than last year's output. The move comes amid concerns over a below-normal monsoon and the potential impact of El Niño.

★ The rice production target has been fixed at 151 million tonnes, up 1.76 million tonnes from last year's output of 149.24 million tonnes. The wheat target has been set at 121.5 million tonnes, an increase of 3.74 million tonnes over the previous year's production of 117.76 million tonnes.

★ The government has placed special emphasis on boosting pulse production, setting a target of 28.42 million tonnes compared with 25.24 million tonnes produced in 2025-26.

★ Among key pulse crops, pigeon pea (tur/arhar) production is projected at 4.02 million tonnes, up from 3.59 million tonnes last year, while urad production is estimated at 2.50 million tonnes compared with 2.16 million tonnes previously. Moong production is projected at 4.48 million tonnes, almost unchanged from 4.49 million tonnes last year.

★ The maize production target has been raised sharply to 52.5 million tonnes, up from 42.3 million tonnes in 2025-26, reflecting the government's focus on meeting rising demand from feed, starch and ethanol industries.

★ Following the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of below-normal rainfall at 90% of the long-period average, the government has identified around 240 vulnerable rain-fed districts that may face greater weather-related risks. In addition, 577 districts will be placed under special monitoring, with contingency plans being prepared to minimize the impact of adverse weather conditions on agriculture.