Foodgrain production in 2023-24 higher than previous year: Final estimates

The total foodgrain production in the country during 2023-24 is estimated at record 332.298 MT which is higher by 2.611 MT than the production of food grains of 329.687 MT during 2022-23, according to the final estimate of foodgrain production released by the ministry of agriculture on Wednesday.

The total rice production during 2023-24 is estimated at record 137.825 MT, 2.070 MT higher than previous year’s production of 135.755 MT.

Wheat production during 2023-24 is estimated at record 113.292, 2.738 MT higher than previous year’s 110.554 MT.


The production of Shree Anna is estimated at 17.572 MT as compared to 17.321 MT during previous year.

"During 2023-24, there were drought-like conditions in southern states, including Maharashtra & prolonged dry spell during August especially in Rajasthan. The moisture stress from the drought also affected the rabi season," the ministry said in a statement, adding that this mainly impacted production of pulses, coarse cereals, soybean and cotton.

In 2023, El Nino caused erratic rainfall during the monsoon season leading to poor sowing, crop damage and lower yield. This kept the food inflation high since June 2023 prompting the government to restrict exports of several items such as wheat, rice, sugar and onions to augur domestic supplies.