USDA Outlook Paints Mixed Picture for Global Crop Production
The USDA's August 2026 outlook projects lower global wheat, rice, and coarse grain production compared to last year. However, India remains a significant producer with record-breaking wheat output at 121 million tonnes, followed by 150 million tonnes of rice and 71.3 million tonnes of coarse grains. Wheat production globally is forecasted at 819.3 million tonnes, down from the previous estimate of 843.35 million tonnes in 2025/26.
The decline in global wheat output is attributed to lower production prospects in several major producers such as the European Union, Brazil, and Australia. India's wheat yield is estimated at 3.61 tonnes per hectare with a harvested area of 33.5 million hectares. In contrast, rice production globally remains steady at 537.3 million tonnes.
India's coarse grain production, which includes corn, barley, sorghum, oats, rye, millet, and mixed grains, is forecasted at 71.3 million tonnes, down from the previous year's 74.59 million tonnes. Corn production alone in India is projected at 52 million tonnes, a decrease of 5.61% from last year.