India's Corn Output Forecast Drops 10% Amid Monsoon Disruptions
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised India's corn production forecast for the 2026-27 cycle, lowering it to 50 million tonnes. This marks a 10% drop from the record 55 million tonnes achieved in the previous year due to poor monsoon rains.
The decline is primarily attributed to erratic southwest monsoon patterns that triggered moisture stress and delayed planting in key agricultural regions. Field data highlights significant acreage reductions in major corn-growing hubs, with Karnataka reporting a 26% decline in area under cultivation.
Maharashtra and Telangana also noted downward trends, while some states like Gujarat and Rajasthan recorded marginal increases in planting. However, these gains were insufficient to compensate for the localized deficits in the south.
The production forecast has dipped, but domestic consumption is projected to rise to 51 million tonnes, slightly exceeding the estimated output. Record carryover stocks from previous bumper harvests are expected to act as a buffer, preventing immediate supply shortages.