Economic Survey 2026 Agriculture Data: India’s agriculture sector is undergoing a major transformation. According to the latest Economic Survey 2025–26 released by the Ministry of Finance (India), several long-held facts about crop production have changed. Many traditional “top producer” states have lost their dominance, while new leaders have emerged.
This shift is especially important for UPSC, UPPSC, and other civil services aspirants, as many textbooks and notes have now become outdated.
Let us decode the new agricultural map of India.
New Trends in Foodgrain Production
🌾 Rice Production: A New Leader
For decades, West Bengal was considered India’s largest rice producer. This has now changed.
Current Rankings (Rice):
- Uttar Pradesh – No. 1
- Telangana – No. 2
- West Bengal – No. 3
Memory Trick: UTW (Uttar Pradesh – Telangana – West Bengal)
🌾 Wheat Production: Stability with Change
Uttar Pradesh continues to dominate wheat production.
Current Rankings (Wheat):
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Punjab
Punjab’s decline is linked to:
- Government policies encouraging crop diversification
- Falling groundwater levels
- Soil degradation
These factors have reduced excessive dependence on wheat-rice farming.
🌽 Millets (Shri Anna): Rising Importance
Millets have gained national importance under the “Shri Anna” initiative.
- Maize Leader: Madhya Pradesh
- Total Millets Leader: Rajasthan
- Followed by: Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh
Rajasthan has emerged as the biggest champion of coarse cereals.
Pulses and Oilseeds: Major Reshuffle
🌱 Pulses Production
A major change is visible in pulses.
- Chickpea (Chana) Leader: Maharashtra
- Total Pulses Leader: Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh dominates overall because of high production of tur, moong, and other pulses.
Key Point:
- Chana → Maharashtra
- Total Pulses → Madhya Pradesh
🌻 The Soybean Revolution
The biggest headline of the survey is the fall of Madhya Pradesh as the “Soybean State”.
For decades, MP was known as “Soya Pradesh”. Now, this status has changed.
New Soybean Leader: Maharashtra
Second Position: Madhya Pradesh
Reasons for Maharashtra’s Rise:
- Adoption of high-yield varieties
- Improved farming techniques
- Focused government–farmer collaboration in Vidarbha and Marathwada
This is a historic shift and must be updated in exam notes.
🌾 Overall Oilseeds Picture
| Crop | Leading State |
|---|---|
| Groundnut | Gujarat |
| Mustard | Rajasthan |
| Soybean | Maharashtra |
| Total Oilseeds | Rajasthan |
Memory Tip: Rajasthan = “Oil Raja” (King of Oilseeds)
Cash Crops and Fibre Crops
🍬 Sugarcane
- Leader: Uttar Pradesh
- Its dominance remains unchallenged.
🧵 Jute
- Leader: West Bengal
- Continues to enjoy monopoly.
🌱 Cotton
A major shift has occurred in cotton production.
- New Leader: Maharashtra
- Previous Leader: Gujarat
Reason: Large-scale adoption of improved BT cotton varieties.
Two Agricultural Superpowers of India
Based on overall performance, two states stand out:
🟢 Uttar Pradesh
Leads in:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Sugarcane
- Total Foodgrains
Uttar Pradesh is the backbone of India’s food security.
🟠 Rajasthan
Leads in:
- Mustard
- Total Millets
- Total Oilseeds
Rajasthan dominates dryland and oilseed agriculture.
Rapid Revision: Exam-Oriented Highlights
- Rice No. 1: Uttar Pradesh
- Wheat No. 1: Uttar Pradesh
- Soybean King: Maharashtra
- Total Pulses: Madhya Pradesh
- Total Oilseeds: Rajasthan
- Cotton Leader: Maharashtra
- Jute Leader: West Bengal
- Sugarcane Leader: Uttar Pradesh
Importance for Civil Services Aspirants
These updates are crucial for:
- UPSC
- UPPSC
- State PCS Exams
- SSC and other government exams
Static geography and agriculture notes must now be revised in line with the Economic Survey.
Institutes like Srishti IAS emphasize the importance of updated current affairs and data-based preparation.
Conclusion
The Economic Survey 2025–26 has redrawn India’s agricultural map. Traditional leaders like West Bengal (rice) and Madhya Pradesh (soybean) have lost ground, while states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have strengthened their dominance.
For serious aspirants, this is a wake-up call:
📌 Old facts are history. Updated data is the key to success.
Staying informed and revising regularly is essential to perform well in competitive examinations.
Download Economic Survey 2026 Agriculture Data PDF
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