The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word OUTPUT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
O
U
T
P
U
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "production" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case production = output.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does OUTPUT mean?
OUTPUT noun- Production; quantity produced, created, or completed.
- Data sent out of the computer, as to output device such as a monitor or printer, or data sent from one program on the computer to another.
- The flow rate of body liquids such as blood and urine.
- To produce, create, or complete.
- To send data out of a computer, as to an output device such as a monitor or printer, or to send data from one program on the computer to another.