COMMODITY
Govt sets lower foodgrain production target at 373.93 million tonnes for 2026-27 amid El Nino concerns
Sep-30-2026

The government has set a lower foodgrain production target at 373.93 million tonnes for the 2026-27 crop year (July-June) from the actual production of 376.56 million tonnes achieved in the 2025-26 crop year, down by 2.63 million tonnes, amid El Nino weather concerns. However, the target set for this year is still higher than the 362 million tonne target set for 2025-26. Of the total target set for 2026-27, the foodgrain production target for the 2026 kharif season is 196.21 million tonnes, while the target for the rabi crop season is 177.72 million tonnes. India grows different food crops in the kharif (summer) and rabi (winter) seasons. Sowing of kharif crops such as paddy has just concluded, while sowing of rabi crops such as wheat will begin from October.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said the foodgrain production targets have been set after factoring in water availability and soil moisture, and following state-wise consultations to adjust cropping patterns in the face of adverse conditions. He said as far as rabi sowing is concerned, the planning is being done considering the challenges of El Nino, drought and floods faced in some parts during the just-concluded kharif season.

He said “Our aim is to avoid water-intensive crops in areas that have received low rainfall and where reservoir levels and soil moisture are low; instead, we intend to cultivate crops like pulses and oilseeds in those regions. These targets have been determined with these considerations in mind”. About the global forecast of El Niño turning 'very strong' by late 2026, he said the government is holding detailed discussions with states on crops and varieties to be planted under the prevailing conditions. He noted crop planning is being adjusted for regional variations in rainfall, water availability and soil moisture, and contingency measures will be adopted wherever drought conditions arise.

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