PATNA, Nov. 1 -- Foodgrain production in Bihar stood at 24.3 million metric tonnes (MMT) with rice production standing at 9.1 MMT and wheat at 7.22 MMT 2025-26, a slight decline from total production in 2024-25, according to a data released by the agriculture department. In 2024-25, the state had recorded rice production of 9.93 MMT and wheat production 7.82 MMT in 24-25. As per the final advance estimate of 2025-26 released recently by the agriculture department, maize production is on the higher side this year with total production standing at 7.56 MMT whereas in 2024-2025, it stood at 6.60 MMT, as per the official data. Agriculture officials attributed the decline in total foodgrain production in 2025-26 as compared to 2024-25 to the untimely rains during the end of Kharif season in October 2025 owing to a cyclone as well as unseasonal rains affecting the Rabi crops, mainly wheat, during March 2026. "There were untimely rains in October last year due to cyclone Montha that affected paddy crop in many districts, Besides, there were heavy rains during March this year leading to damage of Rabi crops too. But overall the foodgrain production is still good given the climatic changes being witnessed in last few years," said a senior agriculture official, seeking anonymity. The production of pulses in 2025-26 has remained steady at about 0.4 MMT,which is almost same as recorded in 2024-25. Meanwhile, there are indications that the paddy production this year could be adversely affected in view of the floods in August -September and also flash floods in first week of October....