New Delhi, May 29: India's foodgrain output is projected to hit 354 million tonnes for the 2024-25 period, marking a 6.6% rise from the previous year's production of 332 million tonnes, as per the latest advance estimates.

These estimates encompass all key crops, including wheat, rice, maize, soybeans, pulses, and groundnuts.

According to the data, rice production is expected to reach 1490.74 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), an increase of 112 LMT compared to last year. Wheat production is estimated at 1175.07 LMT, which is 42.15 LMT more than the previous year. Coarse grains, such as jowar, bajra, and ragi, have seen a production increase of 52.04 LMT, totaling 621.40 LMT.

The total pulse production is anticipated to be 252.38 LMT, up by 9.92 LMT from last year. Moong production is projected at 38.19 LMT, compared to 35.61 LMT last year. Oilseed production is expected to reach 426.09 LMT, which is 29.40 LMT higher than the previous year.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, noted that while foodgrain production is on the rise, there is a need to further boost the output of pulses and oilseeds.

Soybean and groundnut production are estimated at 151.80 LMT and 118.96 LMT, respectively, reflecting increases of 21.18 LMT and 17.16 LMT over the last year. Additionally, rapeseed and mustard production has reached 126.06 LMT.

The data indicates record outputs for rice, wheat, maize, soybean, rapeseed, mustard, and sugarcane. Chouhan stated, 'The third estimated production of major crops like paddy, wheat, soybean, groundnuts, oilseeds, and pulses is set to be unprecedented.'

He credited this record production to the government's farmer-friendly initiatives, which include raising the minimum support price for crops and ensuring timely access to subsidized fertilizers.

In related news, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for the 2025-26 marketing season to guarantee fair prices for farmers.

The most significant MSP increase over the previous year has been recommended for nigerseed (Rs 820 per quintal), followed by ragi (Rs 596 per quintal), cotton (Rs 589 per quintal), and sesame (Rs 579 per quintal).