- India’s foodgrain production reached 332.22 million tonnes in 2023-24.
- Record rice and wheat production boosted overall output, despite a decline in pulses and oilseeds.
- Drought-like conditions affected southern states, impacting pulses and cotton yields.
India set a new record in foodgrain production, hitting 332.22 million tonnes for the 2023-24 crop year, according to the agriculture ministry.
This represents an increase of 2.61 MT over the previous year’s 329.6 MT, largely driven by bumper wheat and rice outputs. Rice production reached 137.82 MT, and wheat rose to 113.29 MT, both marking new highs.
India’s 2023-24 Foodgrain Production Reaches Unprecedented Levels
The decline in pulses and oilseeds output was attributed to drought-like conditions, particularly in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, during the critical growing periods. With pulse consumption estimated at 27 million tonnes annually, the reduced output could increase reliance on imports. Despite the weather-related challenges in some areas, India’s overall foodgrain production demonstrated resilience and growth in key staples.
However, the production of pulses and oilseeds faced setbacks. Pulses production fell from 26.05 million tonnes in the previous year to 24.24 million tonnes in 2023-24, while oilseeds output decreased from 41.35 million tonnes to 39.66 million tonnes. These declines were attributed to adverse weather conditions, particularly drought-like situations in the southern states and prolonged dry spells in Rajasthan.
jhbvvvvvvvvvvvvvvThe drop in pulses output is particularly concerning, given that India’s average annual consumption of pulses is estimated at 27 million tonnes. With the production not meeting this demand, there is likely to be an increase in pulse imports to fill the gap. This could affect prices and market stability, making self-reliance on pulses production a continued challenge for the nation.
Despite these challenges, India’s overall foodgrain production remains robust. The government’s efforts in agricultural management, along with favorable conditions for key crops like wheat and rice, have ensured the country’s food security. As India strives to enhance sustainability in agriculture, tackling climate-related vulnerabilities will be crucial to maintaining such high yields in the future.
India’s record-breaking foodgrain production in 2023-24 is a testament to its agricultural strength, but challenges with pulses and oilseeds highlight the importance of mitigating climate impacts to sustain growth across all crops.
“The success of India’s foodgrain production lies not just in the numbers but in the resilience shown by the agricultural sector despite the climate challenges.”
