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India overtakes China to become world’s largest rice producer
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Tuesday, 06 January, 2026, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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India has officially surpassed China to become the world’s largest rice producer, marking a historic milestone in global agriculture. According to the latest figures for the 2024–25 crop year, India’s rice output reached 150.18 million tonnes, edging past China’s production of approximately 145.28 million tonnes, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Sunday.
The achievement reflects sustained growth in India’s agricultural sector, driven by supportive government policies, technological advancements, and favourable weather conditions. Chouhan described the development as an “unprecedented achievement,” underscoring India’s transition from a food-deficit nation to a global leader in staple crop production.
The announcement was made at an event in the national capital where the government also unveiled 184 new high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties across 25 crops, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) along with state and central agricultural universities and private seed firms. These include improved varieties of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder crops, cotton, sugarcane, jute and tobacco designed to boost productivity and enhance farmers’ incomes.
Officials highlighted that expanding quality seed availability and strengthening extension services will be critical to maintaining production momentum. The government has instructed authorities to expedite distribution of the new varieties to farmers across major rice-growing regions.
India already accounts for a significant share of global rice exports, with its rice shipped to more than 170 countries, contributing substantial foreign exchange earnings and supporting food security worldwide.
However, experts caution that this record output brings challenges, particularly related to groundwater depletion in northern states like Punjab and Haryana, where rice cultivation is highly water-intensive. Sustainable farming practices and better water management are being urged to ensure long-term viability of rice production.
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