Pic Credit: Pexel
New Delhi, Sep 3: India’s foodgrain production is estimated to reach a record 376.56 million tonnes in 2025-26, reflecting strong agricultural output and creating a greater need for efficient storage and distribution facilities.
The latest estimate is around 5.3 per cent higher than the previous year. Rice production is expected to reach about 154.02 million tonnes, while wheat output is estimated at 120.66 million tonnes. Maize production is also projected to touch a record 55.09 million tonnes.
As farm production grows, the government is placing greater emphasis on expanding storage facilities closer to farming areas. Better local storage can help reduce unnecessary transportation, minimise post-harvest losses and improve the movement of grain from farms to markets.
The cooperative sector is playing an important role in this effort, with Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and other local institutions being encouraged to develop warehouses and related facilities. This can give farmers easier access to storage and help rural communities manage larger harvests more efficiently.
For farmers, stronger storage infrastructure can provide greater flexibility after harvest. It can also support smoother procurement and distribution while reducing pressure on existing large warehouses and long-distance supply networks.
The rise in production is being supported by improvements in farming practices, better seeds, agricultural research and wider government support. Oilseed production is also estimated at more than 43 million tonnes in 2025-26, adding to the overall strength of the farm economy.
The growing harvest, therefore, is bringing storage and logistics into sharper focus. Expanding capacity closer to producers will be important to ensure that higher agricultural output is properly preserved and efficiently reaches consumers.
With production reaching new highs, the broader priority is to build a stronger farm-to-market system that supports food security, reduces wastage and creates better opportunities for farmers.