Largest Wheat Producing States in India 2024 with Map

Wheat is one of the most important staple crops in India, grown extensively across northern and central states. Based on the latest Final Estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture for the crop year 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh continues to dominate wheat production, contributing significantly to India’s overall output.

Wheat Production in India (2023-24): Top 10 Producing States

In this article, we will explore the top 10 wheat-producing states, their production in lakh tonnes, and other relevant agricultural data. All figures are derived from the latest available data, including the UP Agricultural Portal source.

Top 10 Wheat Producing States in India (2023-24)

Analysis of Key Wheat Producing States

1. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh leads India’s wheat production with a massive output of 353.40 lakh tonnes, making up nearly 31% of the nation’s total wheat yield. The state also boasts the largest area under wheat cultivation, covering 95.32 lakh hectares. However, despite this vast area, the yield stands at 3708 kg/ha, which, while substantial, falls behind the more efficient production practices seen in other states like Punjab and Haryana.

2. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest wheat producer, with 225.81 lakh tonnes harvested from 74.97 lakh hectares. The state’s yield, however, is comparatively lower at 3012 kg/ha, highlighting room for improvement in productivity despite its large-scale operations.

3. Punjab

Punjab, known for its high agricultural efficiency, ranks third with 177.37 lakh tonnes of wheat. Despite cultivating only 35.16 lakh hectares, its yield is an impressive 5045 kg/ha, making Punjab the most productive state in terms of per hectare wheat yield.

National Overview of Wheat Production

India's total wheat production for the crop year 2023-24 is estimated at 1132.92 lakh tonnes, with a total cultivation area of 318.33 lakh hectares. The national average yield stands at 3559 kg/ha. This steady growth in wheat output solidifies India's position as the second-largest wheat producer in the world, after China.

Additional Facts for UPSC CSE

1. Food Security in India
   Wheat, along with rice, forms the backbone of India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring food security for millions of Indians. The National Food Security Act, 2013 enshrines wheat as a critical grain distributed to the economically weaker sections.

2. Impact of Green Revolution
   The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s drastically transformed India’s wheat output, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This period saw significant increases in yield through the introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems.

3. Climate Change and Wheat Cultivation
   Changing climate patterns, including rising temperatures and irregular rainfall, are affecting wheat productivity in several regions, particularly in northern India. The Government of India is actively researching drought-resistant and heat-tolerant wheat varieties to mitigate these impacts.

4. International Trade and Wheat
   India is both an importer and exporter of wheat, although it typically exports surplus production. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the central agency responsible for managing buffer stocks of wheat and rice to stabilize prices and ensure food availability.

5. State-Specific Agricultural Policies
   States like Punjab and Haryana offer higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for wheat, incentivizing farmers to produce more. This has also contributed to Punjab’s position as the state with the highest wheat yield in the country.

6. Challenges in Wheat Production
   Issues such as the fragmentation of agricultural land, over-dependence on monsoon rains in some regions, and unsustainable water usage for irrigation remain challenges for wheat cultivation in India.

For further information on state-wise agricultural data, visit the Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Portal.