USDA’s local office in New Delhi has cut its India corn production estimate to 50 million tonnes, citing lower sowing and yields amid a weak monsoon.
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USDA’s local office in New Delhi (Post) has cut its India corn production estimate to 50 million tonnes, a decline of about 10 per cent, citing lower sowing and yields amid a weak 2026 monsoon.India produced a record 55 million tonnes of corn during 2025-26, an increase of 27 per cent over the previous year’s 43.4 million tonnes, according to the Agriculture Ministry’s third advance estimates.Corn planting declines amid weak monsoonCorn planting has been lower by around 4 per cent at 89.99 lakh hectares as on August 28, from the corresponding last year’s 93.87 lakh ha, as per the latest Agriculture Ministry data.The weak early 2026 monsoon (June) delayed Kharif corn planting. Forecast of weak monsoon in August/September and consequent insufficient residual soil moisture may also affect rabi/summer corn, the Post said in its latest Grain and Feed Update.The kharif corn crop planting was delayed by about 2 weeks, and the standing crop is facing moisture stress in the major corn-growing states in South and Peninsular India, Post said, citing field sources.“Assuming normal weather, Post forecast MY 2026/2027 corn production slightly lower at 50 million tonnes (near record) from 14 million hectares. However, prolonged dry spells or abnormally heavy rains and floods at the time of harvest in September can affect the kharif corn harvest forecast. Planting of winter planted rabi corn and summer corn may also be adversely affected if deficit rains persist in August/September,” the Post added.Karnataka, Maharashtra see lower acreageAmong the key producing states, the kharif corn acreage was lower in Karnataka by 26 per cent, at 12.58 lakh hectares (lh), against the corresponding last year’s 17 lh. Similarly, in Maharashtra, the area was down 11 per cent at 12.9 lh (14.52 lh), in Madhya Pradesh by 2.22 per cent at 26.4 lh (27 lh) and in Telangana by 13 per cent at 2.3 lh (2.65 lh).However, some states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Telangana, have seen an increase. In Rajasthan, the corn area is up 9.85 per cent at 9.76 lh (8.89 lh); in Gujarat, by 3.59 per cent at 2.71 lh (2.62 lh); and in Himachal, by 3.67 per cent at 2.54 lh (2.45 lh).Corn consumption seen slightly lowerThe latest estimate from the Post also projects slightly lower consumption, at 51 million tonnes, up from last year’s 48 million tonnes.Published on September 1, 2026
