India's record foodgrain harvest transforms agriculture and food security

India's agricultural sector has hit new milestones in 2024-25, playing a crucial role in food security and economic stability. The country recorded its highest-ever foodgrain production, while major schemes and infrastructure upgrades continue to strengthen the farming ecosystem.

In the 2024-25 financial year, India produced a record 353.96 million tonnes of foodgrains. This included 117.51 million tonnes of wheat and 149.07 million tonnes of rice. The surge in output highlights the sector's growing efficiency and resilience.

To support this growth, the government has expanded storage and processing facilities. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) approved ₹73,155 crore for 1.27 lakh projects by September 2025. Meanwhile, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) greenlit 1,601 projects, with 1,133 already operational. These initiatives have added 255.66 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of processing capacity.

Cold storage infrastructure has also seen significant upgrades. There are now 8,815 cold storages with a combined capacity of 21 million metric tonnes (MT). The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme further boosted storage, sanctioning 49,796 projects that contribute 982.94 LMT capacity. Additionally, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies manage 83 LMT of covered and CAP storage for central pool grains.

Financial support for farmers has improved through the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). By June 2025, 5,937 new PACS were registered, and 73,492 were computerised. The Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme also offers credit-linked subsidies—35% for general areas and 50% for the Northeast and hilly regions—to build cold and controlled atmosphere (CA) storages ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 MT.

The record foodgrain production and expanded infrastructure mark a strong phase for India's agriculture. With increased storage, processing capacity, and financial aid, the sector is better equipped to handle future demands. These developments aim to ensure stability for farmers and food security for the country.