2.4.1 Food production during the Kharif season (September–November 2025)

From September to November 2025, India entered the harvest stage of major Kharif season crops, including rice, maize, and soybean. CropWatch remote-sensing monitoring indicates that national agricultural conditions remained generally stable, with a favorable crop production outlook. During the critical growing period (July–September), agroclimatic conditions were overall conducive to crop development. The RAIN reached about 785 mm, about 6 percent below the 15-year average but still sufficient to meet crop water demand. The TEMP was 0.4°C above normal, and RADPAR increased by approximately 4%, effectively promoting grain filling.

CropWatch agronomic indicators show that the CALF remained at a high level (96%), and the CroPI (1.03) indicates that overall crop conditions were slightly better than the same period last year. The BIOMASS increased by 3% compared with the 15-year average, reflecting the generally favorable climatic conditions for crop growth.

Figure 2.17 Distribution and yield levels of Kharif season crops in India, 2025

Rice

Rice production in India continued to grow steadily in 2025. National rice planting area reached 53.164 million hectares, representing a 3.4% year-on-year increase. Average yield increased by 2.9% to 4,833 kg/ha, and total production rose to 256.94 million tonnes, up 6.4% from the previous year (Table A.1.1).

In spatial terms, northern and central producing areas performed particularly well. Northeastern states benefited from adequate rainfall and good irrigation conditions, while parts of the southwestern coastal zone experienced slightly lower yields due to weaker monsoon activity. Overall, both area expansion and yield improvement contributed to the increase in rice production, supported by relatively stable climatic conditions and reliable irrigation in major producing regions.

Maize

Maize production remained generally stable with a slight increase. In 2025, the planting area expanded to 11.672 million hectares, up 4.2% year on year. Average yield declined slightly by 1.4% to 3,745 kg/ha; however, due to the expanded area, total production increased to 43.71 million tonnes, representing a 2.7% increase (Table A.1.1).

Favorable warm and humid conditions in central and southern regions promoted crop growth, while drought in some northern rainfed areas led to modest yield reductions. Overall, maize production remained stable.

Soybean

Soybean production showed a slight decline. National planting area decreased by 4.4% to 12.712 million hectares, while average yield increased by 4.1% to 1,084 kg/ha. Total production reached 13.78 million tonnes, down marginally by 0.4% compared with the previous year (Table A.1.1).

Adequate solar radiation and suitable temperature conditions in central India favored pod setting and grain filling, partially offsetting yield losses caused by reduced planting area. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh remained the main producing states, with overall production levels remaining stable. Soybean production demonstrated strong climatic resilience, and yield fluctuations were generally manageable.

In general, the food production outlook for India during the 2025 Kharif season was positive. Area under major crops remained stable or increased slightly, yields improved, and rice made a particularly significant contribution to national grain supply. Climatic conditions were mostly favorable, drought impacts were limited and localized, and irrigation systems effectively mitigated the adverse effects of rainfall variability. Total Kharif grain production is expected to increase moderately compared with last year, laying a solid foundation for annual grain growth.

2.4.2 Annual summary of India’s food production in 2025

In 2025, India’s grain production remained generally stable with slight growth. Winter wheat during the Rabi season maintained stable output, while major Kharif crops showed a recovery-type increase, resulting in a gradual improvement of overall grain production.

Rabi Season Wheat Production (October 2024 – May 2025)

Winter wheat production in India remained generally stable in 2025. National wheat planting area reached 32.998 million hectares, an increase of 3.3% year on year. Average yield declined by 3.5% to 3,560 kg/ha, and total production amounted to 117.47 million tonnes, down slightly by 0.3% compared with the previous year.

During the critical growth period (January–March), persistent high temperatures and drought conditions adversely affected crop development. National precipitation was 47% below the 15-year average, and mean air temperature was 2.17°C above normal, negatively impacting grain filling.

From an agro-ecological perspective, planting area increased by 9.2% in western arid regions and 7.6% in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, likely benefiting from improved irrigation conditions. In contrast, central regions experienced a 6.4% reduction in planting area, constrained by insufficient rainfall, with more pronounced yield declines. At the state level, significant disparities were observed: wheat yield increased by 18.8% in Haryana, while yields in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh declined by 6.5% and 6.1%, respectively. Overall, expanded planting area offset part of the meteorological yield loss, and wheat production remained broadly stable.

Figure 2.18 Distribution and yield levels of Rabi season wheat in India, 2025

Kharif Season Crop Production (June – November 2025)

Crop production during the Kharif season remained stable with a generally improving outlook. Detailed analysis of crop distribution and production performance has been presented in the previous section; here, only a concise summary is provided. Rice recorded simultaneous increases in both area and yield, becoming the primary driver of national grain growth. Maize and soybean production remained broadly stable, with regional differences but overall manageable risks. In summary, the Kharif season was characterized by “steady improvement,” with rice contributing most significantly to national food supply.

Table 2.1 Planting Area and Production of Wheat, Rice, Maize, and Soybean in India, 2025

Overall Assessment of Annual Grain Production

Considering both seasons, India’s grain production in 2025 exhibited a pattern of expanded planting area and stable output. The total planting area of major grain crops increased by approximately 3% year on year, while total grain output remained broadly stable with a slight increase. Stable wheat production during the Rabi season supported food security in the first half of the year, while increased rice production during the Kharif season drove annual grain supply growth. Although regional high-temperature and drought events constrained yields in some areas, India’s agricultural system demonstrated strong climatic resilience and overall stability. In summary, India’s grain production outlook for 2025 is favorable, with sufficient grain supply ensured nationwide.