First Advance Estimates for 2024-25 Kharif Crops Released; Record 1,647.05 LMT Foodgrain Production Projected

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released the First Advance Estimates for major Kharif crop production in 2024-25, projecting a notable increase in foodgrain and oilseed production over the previous year. These estimates, prepared from data provided by various states and corroborated through advanced digital methods, show significant gains in rice, maize, and oilseed output.

For the first time, crop area estimates have been informed by data from the Digital Crop Survey (DCS), conducted under the Digital Agriculture Mission in collaboration with state governments. This digital method, piloted in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha, aims to replace traditional manual surveys for greater accuracy. DCS implementation in these states has contributed to a substantial rise in rice cultivation, especially in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Highlights of the 2024-25 Kharif Season

The total Kharif foodgrain production for 2024-25 is estimated at a record-breaking 1,647.05 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT), marking an increase of 89.37 LMT from last year and 124.59 LMT above the recent average. Major crops driving this growth include rice, maize, and jowar.

• Rice: Projected production of Kharif rice is estimated at 1,199.34 LMT, up by 66.75 LMT from the previous year and 114.83 LMT above the average.

• Maize: Production is anticipated to reach 245.41 LMT, a record high.

• Nutri/Coarse Cereals: Expected to yield 378.18 LMT.

• Pulses: Total Kharif pulses production is estimated at 69.54 LMT, including 35.02 LMT of tur, 12.09 LMT of urad, and 13.83 LMT of moong.

Oilseed and Cash Crop Production Increases

The total oilseed production for the season is estimated at 257.45 LMT, reflecting a rise of 15.83 LMT compared to last year. Groundnut and soybean production stand at 103.60 LMT and 133.60 LMT, respectively. Meanwhile, sugarcane production is expected to reach 4,399.30 lakh tonnes, cotton at 299.26 lakh bales (170 kg each), and jute and mesta at 84.56 lakh bales (180 kg each).

These early estimates reflect initial projections, with final figures to be adjusted based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) conducted at harvest. The Ministry emphasizes that actual field data gathered from these experiments will further refine crop yield data.

Further details of the First Advance Estimates for Kharif crops in 2024-25 can be accessed on the Ministry’s official website, upag.gov.in.