India Sets New Record with 353.96 Million Tonnes of Foodgrain Production in 2024-25

India Sets New Record with 353.96 Million Tonnes of Foodgrain Production in 2024-25

by | Oct 4, 2025 | Editors Pick, Farming, Food

India has achieved a landmark in agriculture, registering an all-time high foodgrain output of 353.96 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season. This record includes 117.51 million tonnes of wheat and 149.07 million tonnes of rice, marking substantial growth over the previous year and reflecting the resilience of Indian farmers and advances in farm practices.

Central Role of Storage Infrastructure

With rising demand for both raw and processed food, robust storage systems are essential for year-round supply, food security, and preventing wastage. Modern warehouses, steel silos, and cold storage facilities—supported by dedicated government schemes—are enhancing the ability to maintain buffer stocks and facilitate stable supply through the Public Distribution System. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State agencies currently possess 917.83 lakh metric tonnes of covered and CAP storage capacity for central pool grains, complemented by 8,815 cold storage units with a collective capacity of 40.21 million metric tonnes for perishables.

Digital Transformation and Decentralized Storage

Decentralized storage solutions continue to expand, with the registration of 5,937 new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the computerization of over 73,000 PACS as of June 2025. An additional outlay of ₹2,516 crore has been approved to further digitize PACS operations, boosting efficiency, transparency, and record-keeping throughout the agricultural supply chain.

Driving Agricultural Prosperity and Nutrition Security

Efficient and scientific storage—including bulk handling steel silos—helps minimize post-harvest losses and links farms to wider markets, empowering farmers to realize better returns. This infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting the food processing industry and ensuring nutritious food reaches every household. As production volumes hit historic highs, these advancements remain central to India’s commitment to food security and economic growth.

India’s focus on modernizing storage and supply chain management is transforming its agricultural landscape, enabling both greater prosperity for farmers and robust nutrition security for the nation.

Kharif Sowing Exceeds 1120 Lakh Hectares in 2025, Led by Gains in Rice and Cereals

Kharif Sowing Exceeds 1120 Lakh Hectares in 2025, Led by Gains in Rice and Cereals

by | Oct 4, 2025 | Farming

Kharif sowing for the 2025 season has surpassed 1120 lakh hectares, marking an increase in overall coverage compared to last year, according to the latest data from the Agriculture Ministry. As of September 26, total area sown reached 1120.73 lakh hectares—up from 1113.72 lakh hectares during the same period in 2024.

The increase is most visible in the rice and coarse cereal segments. Rice cultivation expanded to 441.58 lakh hectares, up from 435.68 lakh hectares last year. Coarse cereals posted a significant jump, with acreage rising to 194.67 lakh hectares, compared to 182.66 lakh hectares in the previous year. Pulses also recorded a marginal uptick, covering 119.85 lakh hectares, which further strengthens the country’s food grain supply prospects.

However, the season brought mixed results for other crops. Oilseed acreage fell sharply to 190.01 lakh hectares, a decline of over 10 lakh hectares from 200.52 lakh hectares last year. Cotton also saw a reduction, with the area sown declining from 112.95 lakh hectares to 109.98 lakh hectares. Jute and mesta recorded a small dip, decreasing to 5.56 lakh hectares from 5.75 lakh hectares.

In contrast, sugarcane continued its growth trend, with sowing climbing to 59.07 lakh hectares from last year’s 57.22 lakh hectares.

These patterns reflect changes in farmers’ preferences, guided by rainfall conditions, market signals, and various government policies. While the rise in staple grains like rice, cereals, and pulses supports national food security, the drop in oilseed and cotton acreage will require attention from policymakers moving forward.

Early Monsoon Rains Raise Hopes for Record Grain Harvest in India

Early Monsoon Rains Raise Hopes for Record Grain Harvest in India

by | Jul 6, 2025 | Farming

Early Monsoon Rains Raise Hopes for Record Grain Harvest in India

Early and widespread monsoon rains across India have sparked optimism for a record grain harvest this year, as farmers accelerate the sowing of rice, oilseeds, and pulses. According to Farm Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, the timely arrival of rains ahead of schedule in many regions has allowed farmers to begin planting earlier than usual, setting the stage for a potentially bumper crop season.

Monsoon Arrives Early, Boosts Sowing

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that monsoon rains blanketed the country nine days ahead of the typical schedule, marking the earliest nationwide coverage since 2020. June rainfall was 9% above normal, and the IMD forecasts above-average precipitation for July, the wettest month of the season. This early and abundant rainfall has improved soil moisture and enabled the timely sowing of key crops, particularly in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

“Farmers have been able to begin sowing earlier than usual. If rains continue at a normal pace through the critical months to September, it could benefit both the current crops and the upcoming winter harvest,” Chaturvedi said.

Vital for Economy and Food Security

India, the world’s second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and sugarcane, relies on the monsoon to irrigate more than half of its farmland. The monsoon delivers nearly 70% of the water needed for agriculture, directly impacting crop yields, rural incomes, and inflation. Above-average rainfall not only strengthens food security for India’s 1.4 billion people but also supports economic growth and stabilizes global agricultural markets1.

No Fertilizer or Seed Shortages

Chaturvedi addressed concerns about input supplies, stating that stocks of urea, di-ammonium phosphate, and potash are sufficient for the season, despite India’s reliance on imports for some fertilizers. Seed availability is also being closely monitored to ensure farmers receive certified, high-quality materials.

Government Initiatives and Crop Diversification

While rice remains a preferred crop due to minimum support prices and state bonuses, the government is encouraging diversification. Minimum support prices for pulses, including pigeon pea, black gram, and lentils, have been guaranteed for four years to stabilize supplies and support farmers. The national ethanol blending program is also promoting increased corn cultivation.

Outlook Remains Positive

If the favorable rainfall continues through September, experts and officials believe 2025 could be a record year for Indian agriculture, benefiting both monsoon and winter crops. “This could be a record year for Indian agriculture,” Chaturvedi said, reflecting the positive sentiment shared by farmers and policymakers alike.

With the monsoon off to a strong start and robust support from government schemes, India’s agricultural sector is well-positioned for growth, providing hope for improved rural incomes and stable food supplies in the coming months.

References

  1. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/early-monsoon-rains-in-india-raise-hopes-of-a-bumper-grain-crop-13228834.html
  2. https://www.outlookbusiness.com/planet/climate/monsoon-arrives-ahead-of-schedule-in-india-likely-to-aid-farm-output
  3. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/land-use-biodiversity/indias-monsoon-covers-country-nine-days-early-accelerating-planting-2025-06-29/
  4. https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-likely-to-witness-above-normal-monsoon-rainfall-in-2025-imd/
  5. https://farmersrathna.com/good-rainfall-spurs-agricultural-growth-in-2025/
  6. https://ddnews.gov.in/en/indias-monsoon-rains-to-arrive-early-brightening-outlook-for-crops/
  7. https://fertiliserindia.com/indias-fertilizer-supply-plan-for-july-2025/
  8. https://shaktivardhakhspl.com/blog/how-seed-subsidies-empower-indian-farmers/
  9. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/top-10-government-schemes-for-farmers-in-2025-13138263.html
  10. https://www.ndtvprofit.com/economy-finance/early-monsoon-rains-in-india-raise-hopes-of-a-bumper-grain-crop
  11. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2131731
  12. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/early-monsoon-to-up-fertiliser-demand-govt-may-hike-subsidy-101747079191595.html
  13. https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/early-monsoon-rains-boost-hopes-of-record-grain-harvest-in-india-125070400138_1.html
  14. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/early-monsoon-rains-in-india-raise-hopes-of-a-bumper-grain-crop/article69771269.ece
  15. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/land-use-biodiversity/indias-monsoon-set-cover-entire-country-over-week-early-2025-06-26/
Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

by | Jun 25, 2025 | Agri News, Editors Pick, Farming, Policies

Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

₹500 Crore Plan to Use AI, Drones & Digital Tools to Help Farmers

In a major step to modernise farming, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for Agriculture—called the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029. The state has set aside ₹500 crore to use AI, drones, robotics, and data tools to help solve big problems like climate change, water shortage, low productivity, and poor market access.

This new policy aims to build a tech-enabled and farmer-first agriculture system. Some of the key things included in this plan are:

  • Real-time help for farmers using AI: Advisory platforms will guide farmers on when to sow, irrigate, or harvest.

  • Precision farming tools: Using data to apply just the right amount of water, seeds, or fertilizer.

  • Blockchain tracking: So that fruits like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates can be traced from farms to international markets.

A special platform called VISTAAR will give advice in multiple languages using AI. It will also connect with national platforms like Agristack and Bhashini.

To make this possible, the state will create digital public infrastructure like:

  • ADeX (Agricultural Data Exchange) – a secure place to share farm data.

  • AI Sandbox – a space where startups can test new tools.

  • Geospatial Engine – to track crop health, waterbodies, and weather patterns.

The policy will be managed by a State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC) and a Technical Committee (SLTC). It will also set up:

  • An AI & Agritech Innovation Centre

  • Four research hubs at agriculture universities

Special focus will be on helping startups and building public-private partnerships. Innovators can get grants, run pilot projects, and access the AI sandbox to solve problems specific to each region.

A Digital Literacy Programme will train farmers and extension workers on how to use AI tools effectively through modules, fellowships, and live demos.

To attract more investment and international collaboration, Maharashtra will host an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Conference and Investor Summit.

With this move, Maharashtra has taken the lead in showing how technology and farming can go hand in hand for a better future.

25,000 Farmers in Andhra Pradesh Get Help from Farm Mechanisation Scheme in Just 45 Days!

25,000 Farmers in Andhra Pradesh Get Help from Farm Mechanisation Scheme in Just 45 Days!

by | Jun 15, 2025 | Agri News, Farming

Andhra Pradesh’s revamped farm mechanisation scheme is creating waves among small and marginal farmers. Launched just 45 days ago, the program has already benefited over 25,000 farmers with ₹61 crore in subsidies for agricultural equipment.

Andhra Pradesh is making farm work smarter and easier. The state government’s newly relaunched farm mechanisation drive has seen an overwhelming response—benefiting more than 25,000 farmers within just 45 days. A total of ₹61 crore in subsidies has already been distributed to support the purchase of essential farm machinery.

This scheme is part of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and focuses especially on small and marginal farmers. What makes it more appealing this time is the new front-end subsidy model. Farmers now receive a 50% subsidy right at the time of purchase, unlike before when they had to pay the full price and wait for reimbursement. This has helped ease the financial stress on farmers and boosted confidence in adopting modern tools.

From land preparation to harvesting, the scheme covers a wide range of farm equipment. Special efforts are being made to reach remote tribal and rainfed regions, where farming is often more challenging. With these tools, farmers can reduce their dependency on manual labour, save time, and increase productivity.

The initiative is being managed through a smart digital solution—the Karshak Portal – FM App, developed by NIC-AP. It links data from various government departments like land records (Webland), crop details (ePanta), family eligibility (GSWS), forest land farming (Giribhoomi), and previous subsidies. This helps in accurate farmer verification and avoids duplication.

Everything—from applying and selecting beneficiaries to tracking progress and handling complaints—is done online, making the system fast and transparent.

The AP Agro Industries Development Corporation Ltd (AP AGROS) is leading the operations on the ground, ensuring smooth logistics, coordination with suppliers, and timely delivery of machinery.

According to Agriculture Department Director S Dilli Rao, the government is determined to scale up this initiative across all districts, ensuring that small and marginal farmers have the tools they need for a better future.

This initiative is not just about machines—it’s about transforming how farming is done in Andhra Pradesh.

Farmers Ignored in Budget? Opposition Slams Govt in Lok Sabha

Farmers Ignored in Budget? Opposition Slams Govt in Lok Sabha

by | May 28, 2025 | Agri News, Farming

The opposition in Lok Sabha took a firm stand against the government’s approach to agriculture, accusing it of ignoring farmers’ interests in the Union Budget. SP MP Dharmendra Yadav highlighted that while the government waived off ₹16 lakh crore in industrial loans, it refused to grant loan waivers to struggling farmers, citing financial constraints.

Initiating the debate on demands for grants for the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, Yadav pointed out that only 2.7% of the total Budget had been allocated to the sector, calling it highly disappointing. He alleged that despite frequent promises, the government harbors an anti-farmer stance.

Congress MP Jai Prakash criticized the treatment of protesting farmers, likening it to the British era, and vowed strong opposition to any reintroduction of controversial farm laws. DMK MP TM Selvaganapathi and Congress’ Charanjit Singh Channi expressed alarm over reports of duty-free US imports, fearing it would undercut Indian farmers and reverse policies aimed at self-reliance in food production.

As the debate continues, the opposition demands a clear stance from the government on import policies and financial support for farmers, pressing for immediate action to safeguard their livelihoods.