New Delhi, Nov. 26 -- India's kharif foodgrain output is expected to rise to 173.33 million tonnes in 2025-26, as plentiful monsoon rains boosted acreage and yields, the first advance estimates released by the Union agriculture ministry on Wednesday said.

The kharif output estimate is 3.87 million tonnes higher from last year. Rice production is expected at 124.50 million tonnes, up 1.73 million tonnes from the previous kharif season.

Maize output is projected to rise sharply by 3.49 million tonnes to 28.30 million tonnes, in a sign farmers are diversifying their crops to secure better prices amid strong demand from feed and starch industries.

Economists said that the increase in rice, maize and oilseeds output could ease supply pressu...