GUWAHATI: India achieved a record foodgrain production of 332.22 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year, driven by bumper wheat and rice yields, according to a report released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Wednesday, September 25.
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This marks an increase of 2.61 million tonnes compared to the previous year’s 329.6 million tonnes. Rice production has reached a new high of 137.82 million tonnes, up from 135.75 million tonnes in 2022-23. Wheat production also hit a record of 113.29 million tonnes, compared to 110.55 million tonnes the year before.
However, declines have also been reported in the production of pulses and oilseeds. Pulses output dropped to 24.24 million tonnes from 26.05 million tonnes, while oilseeds production fell to 39.66 million tonnes from 41.35 million tonnes. The ministry attributed these declines to drought-like conditions in southern states, including Maharashtra, and prolonged dry spells in Rajasthan during August.
Also, Sugarcane production decreased to 453.15 million tonnes, down from 490.53 million tonnes in the previous year. Cotton output dropped to 32.52 million bales as well, compared to 33.66 million bales in 2022-23.
The ministry's estimates are based on data from various states and union territories.