India’s 2024-25 Kharif output at record 164.7 million tonnes; rice at all-time high, pulses lower than average

India’s 2024-25 Kharif output at record 164.7 million tonnes; rice at all-time high, pulses lower than average

Sub : Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

• Rice production in 2024-25 is estimated at 120 million tonnes (MT), the highest in the last 11 years.
• Paddy, the main Kharif crop, saw a 5.8% increase over last year’s production, largely due to above-normal monsoon rainfall.

Details:

• Kharif Foodgrains:
  • Overall, Kharif foodgrain output is projected at 164.7 MT, which is 8.9 MT higher than last year and 12.4 MT above the average Kharif foodgrain production.
  • The record production was majorly due to an increase in the production of rice, jowar (sorghum), and maize.

• Pulses Decline:
  • Kharif pulses production at 7 MT is the lowest in nine years.
  • The decrease is mainly due to lower urad (black gram) production, which fell 25% from 1.6 MT in 2023-24 to 1.2 MT in 2024-25.
  • Moong (green gram) production is projected at 1.3 MT, slightly above last year but below the 10-year average of 1.4 MT.
  • Excessive rains and reduced acreage contributed to the decline, with only tur (pigeon pea) production being above the average.
• New Data Collection Method:
  • For the first time, the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) was used for crop area estimation under the Digital Agriculture Mission, replacing the manual Girdawari system in some states.
  • DCS was fully implemented in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha, showing an increase in rice cultivation, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.
• Oilseeds and Other Non-Foodgrains:
  • Oilseed production is up by 6.5% compared to last year.
  • In contrast, sugarcane, cotton, and jute production saw declines.