Foodgrain production hits record high, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• India's total foodgrain production reached a record high of 357.32 million tonnes in 2024-25.
• This represents a 7.68% increase from the 332.29 million tonnes produced in 2023-24.
• Rice production during Kharif 2024-25 reached 122.77 million tonnes, an 8.39% increase year-over-year.
• Record production was also achieved for wheat (117.94 million tonnes), soybean (15.26 million tonnes), and groundnut (11.9 million tonnes).

Detailed Insights:

• The increase in foodgrain production is the highest in the last 10 years, rising from 251.54 million tonnes in 2015-16 to 357.73 million tonnes in 2024-25.
• The Agriculture Ministry attributes the record production to favorable weather conditions, improved farming techniques, and government policies promoting agricultural growth.
• The 'Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission' aims to boost pulse production and reduce India's dependence on imports, contributing to food security and farmer income.
• Increased foodgrain production can strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring food availability for vulnerable populations at subsidized prices.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Foodgrain: Edible grains, such as rice, wheat, and pulses, that are a staple of the human diet.
• Kharif Crop: Crops sown during the monsoon season (June-July) and harvested in autumn (September-October).
• Public Distribution System (PDS): A government-run system for distributing subsidized food and essential items to the poor.