Wheat production remains stable and resilient despite weather variations: Centre

The government refuted certain media reports regarding wheat production for 2025–26, stating that while localised weather-related impacts were observed, the overall scenario remains stable and resilient. This is supported by increased acreage (33.4 million hectares), improved agronomic practices, and enhanced varietal adoption. The current wheat season is described as mixed but resilient, shaped by both climatic adversities and strong adaptive measures by farmers. Notably, no incidence of insect pests or diseases was reported during the season. Early and timely sowing led to an increase in planted area over the past year. For example, wheat procurement in Haryana has surpassed the 75 LMT government target, with 56.13 LMT already purchased, an increase of roughly 9 LMT compared to last year. In Madhya Pradesh, the procurement target was raised from 78 LMT to 100 LMT due to high production estimates. Maharashtra’s wheat production for 2025–26 is estimated at 22.90 lakh tonnes, showing steady growth. Late-season heat stress in February and untimely rainfall/hailstorms caused localised damage, but compensatory factors—such as early sowing, increased planted area (0.6 million hectares), and adoption of high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties—are expected to offset these losses. The government anticipates that these measures will support stable national wheat production compared to 2024–25.