INDIA BECOMES WORLD’S LARGEST RICE PRODUCER

News: India has surpassed China to become the world’s largest rice producer, as announced by the Union Agriculture Minister. Along with this, 184 new high-yielding seed varieties across 25 crops were released, strengthening India’s food security and agricultural resilience.

Status of Rice Production & Exports -Global Scenario

• Largest producer: India (~150 million tonnes)
• Other major producers: China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, Egypt
• India’s leadership reflects productivity gains, HYV adoption, irrigation expansion, and policy support (MSP, procurement)

State-wise Rice Production in India (2024–25)

• Uttar Pradesh – 13.8%
• Telangana – 6%
• West Bengal – 10.6%
• Punjab – 9.5%
• Chhattisgarh – 7%

Rice Exports

• India is the world’s largest rice exporter
• Exports (2024–25): ~20.1 million metric tonnes
• Major destinations:
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Benin
  • United Arab Emirates

About the Rice Crop

• Type: Major food crop of the world
• Temperature ~30°C (day), ~20°C (night)
• Rainfall 100–150 cm
• Water Standing water (10–15 cm) for most of season

Cropping Seasons of Rice in India

• Aman (Winter Rice): Sowing: June–July, Harvest: November–December
• Aus (Autumn Rice): Sowing: May–June, Harvest: September–October
• Boro (Summer Rice): Cultivation: November–May

Significance of Releasing 184 New Seed Varieties

• Higher yields & climate resilience
• Resistance to pests, diseases & drought
• Supports nutritional security
• Helps adapt agriculture to climate change