Global Grain Production Estimated to Reach 2.42 Billion Tonnes

23-Mar-2026 06:00 PM

Mumbai: The International Grains Council (IGC) has projected that global grain production for the 2026-27 season is likely to decline, settling at 2.42 billion tonnes—approximately 2 percent lower than the revised production estimate for the 2025-26 season.

According to the Council's new report, this decline in production could be attributed to a reduction in sown area and average yield rates.

Although carry-over stocks from the previous season are expected to remain somewhat elevated, they will not be sufficient to fully offset the drop in production; consequently, the total availability of grains in the 2026-27 season is expected to decrease slightly.

Notably, the Council has revised its grain production estimate for the 2025-26 season upward by 10 million tonnes (1 crore tonnes), setting it at 2.47 billion tonnes. Within this revision, the production estimate for maize, in particular, has seen the most significant increase.

While maize production in India is projected to be robust, the wheat production estimates for Russia and Australia have also been raised.

Due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the costs of fertilizers and fuel have risen. Although farmers in the Northern Hemisphere have already stockpiled the necessary agricultural inputs for cultivating various crops,

farmers in regions where sowing is set to commence in the second half of the year may face increased difficulties. Most countries across Asia and Africa remain dependent on the Gulf region for their fertilizer supplies.