How India Is Emerging as a Global Food Basket

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India Takes Another Step Towards Being the World’s Food Basket

India is one step ahead to becoming the food basket of the world as the country is set to produce a record 117.5 million metric tons of wheat by June this year, the Ministry of Agriculture’s estimates have said.

The estimates are slightly higher than the central government’s March forecasts of 115.4 million tons. India, the world’s biggest wheat producer after China, produced 113.3 million tons of wheat in 2024, the farm ministry said in a statement issued late on 28 May 2025.

🌾 A New Chapter in Global Agriculture

India, long recognized for its agricultural heritage and self-sufficiency in food production, is now making bold strides toward becoming the world’s food basket. With a combination of policy reforms, technological innovation, increased exports, and sustainable practices, the country is positioning itself as a key global supplier of food commodities.

📈 Record-Breaking Production

India continues to produce record quantities of staple crops:

Wheat and rice yields have reached all-time highs.
Fruits and vegetables like mangoes, bananas, and onions are exported in bulk to countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Spices, tea, and millets — traditionally Indian exports — are seeing increased demand in Western markets.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, foodgrain production in 2023-24 crossed 330 million tonnes, setting a new benchmark for the sector.

🌐 Boost in Agricultural Exports

India’s agricultural exports are surging:

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) reported a 9.4% growth in agri-exports in FY 2023-24.
Indian basmati rice, wheat, and processed foods are gaining favor globally due to competitive pricing and improved quality standards.

This growth aligns with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision, which emphasizes not just domestic food security but also global food leadership.

India’s rice production will also see a boost this year, with the ministry estimating it at 149 million metric tons, up from last year’s 137.8 million tons. The record production of the staple foodgrains will take India’s total food grains production to 354 million tons from last year’s 332.3 million tons.

💡 Embracing Agri-Tech

One of the biggest catalysts in India’s food rise is the integration of agri-tech:

Drones are now being used for precision spraying.
AI and IoT platforms are helping farmers optimize irrigation and fertilization.
Government-backed initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission and Kisan Drones are pushing innovation to the grassroots level.

These tools are not only increasing productivity but also improving the quality and traceability of Indian produce — a critical factor in global trade.

A strong wheat harvest in India is rapidly replenishing stocks, meaning the country will be able to meet domestic demand without imports this year, contrary to market talk that it would need overseas supplies, and a potential drag on global prices.

🌍 Supporting Global Food Security

Amidst global concerns about food shortages and climate-induced crop failures, India is stepping in as a reliable supplier. During the Ukraine-Russia conflict, for instance, India emerged as an alternative source for wheat for many nations.

By sharing its surpluses and collaborating on food diplomacy, India is gradually assuming the role of a global food stabilizer.

🌱 Focus on Sustainability

India’s agricultural growth is increasingly geared towards sustainability:

Promotion of natural farming and organic farming in states like Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh.
Wider adoption of millets, declared the “International Year of Millets” by the UN in 2023, which are climate-resilient and nutrition-rich.
Investments in climate-smart agriculture and soil health initiatives to maintain long-term productivity.

These steps ensure that India’s food ambitions do not come at the cost of its environment or future generations.

India on its way to become a food basket

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the BJP-led central government is trying to make India the world’s food basket during the budget presentation of 2025 in February.

She announced the establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar. “The institute will provide a strong fillip to food processing activities in the entire Eastern region,” Sitharaman said.

🚜 Government Backing and Reforms

Major government schemes like:

PM-KISAN, offering direct income support to farmers,
e-NAM, a national agricultural market for better price discovery,
Agri Infrastructure Fund, to build storage and processing facilities,

are creating a robust foundation for India’s food production and distribution network.

What’s India’s budget for food grain production and agriculture?

The government has significantly increased budget allocations, rising from Rs 11,915.22 crore in 2008-09 to Rs 1,22,528.77 crore in 2024-25.

Food grain production has surged from 204.6 million tonnes (2004-05) to an estimated 332.3 million tonnes (2023-24), with enhanced productivity and Minimum Support Price (MSP) revisions ensuring better farmer incomes.

A PIB release says, “India’s foodgrain production has seen a steady rise over the years, reflecting improvements in agricultural productivity and policy support. In 2004-05, total foodgrain production stood at 204.6 million tonnes. (4th advance estimates) This increased to 252 million tonnes in 2014-15 and further surged to an estimated 332.3 million tonnes in 2023-24.”

Conclusion: A Global Food Power in the Making

India is no longer just feeding its billion-plus citizens — it is now on course to feed the world. With the right balance of innovation, policy, and sustainability, the country is well on its way to becoming the world’s food basket — a title that could redefine its role in the 21st-century global economy.