India’s Wheat Production Rises in 2024-25

Context

India is on the cusp of achieving a historic milestone in wheat production, with estimates suggesting a record high of 115.3 million metric tonnes for the 2024-25 crop year. This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s production of 113.3 million metric tonnes, reflecting a growth of about 2%. This achievement is crucial for India, which is the second-largest wheat producer globally, following China.

Historical Context of Wheat Production in India

Over the years, India has consistently improved its wheat production through advancements in agricultural practices, better irrigation systems, and the adoption of high-yielding varieties of wheat. The country’s wheat production has seen fluctuations due to factors like weather conditions and government policies. For instance, in 2022, India faced a significant challenge when it had to impose a ban on wheat exports due to a heatwave that affected crop yields.

Factors Contributing to Record Wheat Production

There are several important factors that worked towards making such record production:

1. Increased Sowing Area: Wheat has so far covered an area of 32 million hectares in the current season as against 31.56 million hectares in the previous year due to favorable weather and government incentive schemes. One such major area expansion could be attributed to the very favorable weather conditions and government incentives.
2. Higher Guaranteed Prices: The increased minimum support price (MSP) for wheat announced by the government, which encouraged farmers to plant more high-yielding varieties, has become effective from the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025-26 for Rs 2,425 per quintal, an increase of 6.59% from the previous year.
3. Advancements in Agricultural Practices: Higher yields per hectare have also been due to advanced agricultural technology and improved practices of crop management.

Impact of Record Wheat Production

As we analyze the different impacts of record wheat production, we come across several aspects related to India’s economy and food security:

Economic Impact

• Price Stabilization: Increase in production will enable stabilization of wheat prices despite the increase due to demand and supply mismatches in supply. Wheat inflation in January 2025 was at 8.8%, showing potential instability in supplies.
• Export Potential: India could potentially export some wheat and generate foreign exchange earnings even with the current prohibition on wheat imports as a good surplus is at hand. This possibility is hampered, though, by an export ban for now due to local needs and strategic stock.

Food Security

• Buffer Stocks: The increase in production also keeps India’s buffer stock in good health. By the beginning of March 2025, wheat stocks in the central pool numbered 14.41 million tonnes, which is quite above the buffer norm of 7.46 million tonnes.
• Procurement Targets: The government is targeting 31 million tonnes of wheat procurement for the rabi marketing season 2025-26, more than that procured in the previous season at 26.6 million tonnes.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive outlook, there are challenges that India needs to address:

1. Weather Risks: Above-average temperatures in March could pose risks to the wheat harvest, as seen in previous years4.
2. Sustainability: The long-term sustainability of high production levels depends on maintaining soil health, managing water resources efficiently, and adapting to climate change.
3. Market Dynamics: Fluctuations in global wheat prices and demand can impact India’s export potential and domestic market stability.

Conclusion

India’s projected record wheat production of 115.3 million metric tonnes in 2024-25 is a significant achievement that underscores the country’s agricultural prowess. However, sustaining this growth while addressing environmental and economic challenges will be crucial for ensuring food security and economic stability in the future.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. India is one of the largest producers of wheat in the world. Discuss the factors influencing wheat production in India and the challenges faced by wheat farmers. Suggest measures to enhance wheat productivity in the context of climate change and sustainability. (250 words)

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