Wheat output steady despite weather shocks, says ministry

India’s wheat production for the 2025–26 crop year is expected to remain stable despite localised damage caused by unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms, the agriculture ministry said on Sunday.

 The ministry described the season as “mixed but resilient”, supported by higher acreage, timely sowing and improved crop management practices. The Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India has projected wheat output at 110.65 million tonnes, slightly higher than 109.63 mn tonnes recorded in 2024–25, but below the government’s pre-weather estimate of 120.21 mn tonnes. Food Secretary Chopra said the final output is likely to fall between 110 mn and 120 mn tonnes. 

  Wheat was sown across 33.4 mn hectares this season, with no major pest or disease incidence reported. Early sowing helped crops avoid peak heat stress during critical grain-filling stages. 

   However, unusually high temperatures in February and untimely rains at maturity impacted yields and grain quality in some regions. Procurement trends indicate robust output. Madhya Pradesh has raised its target to 100 lakh tonnes due to higher expected production.

   Maharashtra’s wheat output is estimated at 22.90 lakh tonnes, with steady arrivals reported from Marathwada and Vidarbha.             

— PTI