New Delhi: India's food grain production has reached a record 332.2 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year ending in June. Total food grain production has increased due to bumper harvest of wheat and rice. The Agriculture Ministry said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the final estimate for the crop year 2023-24 shows an increase of 26.1 lakh tonnes from the previous year's 329.6 million tonnes.

During this period, rice production reached a record 137.8 million tonnes, up from 135.7 million tonnes in 2022-23. Wheat production also increased to a record high of 113.2 million tonnes compared to 110.5 million tonnes in 2022-23. However, pulses production declined from 26 million tonnes to 24.2 million tonnes and oilseed production declined from 41.3 million tonnes to 39.6 million tonnes.

The ministry attributed the fall in production of pulses, coarse cereals, soybean and cotton to "drought conditions in southern states including Maharashtra". Sugarcane production fell from 490.5 million tonnes to 453.1 million tonnes, and cotton production fell from 33.6 million bales to 32.5 million bales (one bale is 170 kg).

Food grains in India include rice, wheat, coarse cereals, millets and pulses. The ministry said that these estimates are based on information received from states and union territories.

There has been a very good sowing of paddy this season. Monsoon rains have led to a good sowing of paddy this time. Due to more than normal rainfall and sowing area, it is believed that this time too rice production can reach record levels. 75 percent of paddy production in India takes place in the Kharif season (June-September).