The government has reiterated its stance that wheat production scenario for 2025-26 remains stable and resilient despite weather-related challenges. According to the latest government clarification, the current wheat season is characterized as mixed but resilient, shaped by both climatic adversities and strong adaptive measures undertaken by farmers. The government's second advance estimate pegs wheat output at 120.21 million tonnes for 2025-26, compared to 117.95 million tonnes in 2024-25, with the additional 0.6 million hectares area planted during 2025-26 expected to partially offset localized losses. As reported by PIB Delhi, the enhanced varietal replacement rate (VRR) has accelerated adoption of high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant varieties that are better equipped to withstand heat and biotic stresses.
The government acknowledged that unusually high temperatures in February exposed the crop to heat stress, reducing grain filling duration and yield. According to PIB Delhi, untimely rainfall and hailstorms at maturity in certain areas have caused localised damage to grain quality and yield. However, the ministry noted that there has been no report of yield losses due to any disease or insect-pest in the wheat crop, with low weed infestation during growth stages. The Roller Flour Millers Federation of India (RFMFI) released its third Annual Wheat Survey Report 2026 on April 24, pegging production at 110.65 million tonnes, up from 109.63 million tonnes in 2024-25, but noting a drop of over 5 million tonnes due to crop damage. The government emphasized that the additional 0.6 million hectares area planted during 2025-26 is expected to partially offset these localized losses.
The crop was sown on an estimated 33.46 million hectares, up from 32.80 million hectares in the previous year, with no incidence of insect pests and diseases during the season. As reported by PIB Delhi, the significant increase in early/timely sowing enabled the crop to escape terminal heat during grain filling, while the enhanced varietal replacement rate (VRR) has accelerated adoption of high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant varieties. The ministry highlighted that early and timely sowing has been a key factor in maintaining production stability, with the additional 0.6 million hectares area planted during 2025-26 providing crucial buffer against weather-related losses.
Wheat procurement has surged significantly across major producing states, with Haryana's arrivals 19% higher at 203.13 lakh tonnes compared to the previous year. According to the latest government data, Haryana procurement has crossed its 75 LMT target with 56.13 LMT already purchased, representing a roughly 9 LMT increase compared to the same period last year. In Madhya Pradesh, the initial procurement goal was 78 LMT, but has been officially raised to 100 LMT following requests from the state government due to high production estimates. Maharashtra's wheat production for 2025-26 is estimated to be around 22.90 lakh tonnes, showing steady increase over recent years. As of late April 2026, the state is seeing steady inflows, particularly from the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, with procurement data indicating robust production levels across key states.
RFMFI President Navneet Chitlangia emphasized that the industry seeks policy stability and dialogue for fair farmer prices rather than protection. As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine, he demanded the government share periodic cumulative national wheat stock data and provide clear OMSS pricing schedules. The ministry noted that the overall production outlook remains cautiously optimistic due to several compensatory factors, including the anticipated adverse effects of weather anomalies being largely compensated by increased area, early sowing, and improved varietal adoption. The ministry expressed confidence that these factors will support stable national wheat production as compared to the crop season of 2024-25, with the overall wheat production scenario for 2025–26 remaining stable and resilient despite localised weather-related impacts.
