India has become the world’s largest producer of rice, surpassing China with a record production of 150.18 million tonnes in the 2024-25 crop year, according to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Announcing the milestone in New Delhi, the minister highlighted that China’s rice output stood at around 145.28 million tonnes, making India the top rice-producing nation for the first time. This landmark achievement reflects a combination of expanded cultivation area, improved seed varieties, and sustained policy support for farmers. The government’s push to strengthen the agricultural sector was also marked by the release of 184 improved crop varieties, including high-yielding rice seeds developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These innovations are expected to further boost productivity and farmers’ incomes across the country.
Experts say that this surge in rice output places India at the forefront of the global rice market, reinforcing its role not just as a key food-grain producer but also as a major contributor to global food security and exports. This achievement comes as a significant milestone in India’s agricultural journey, showcasing the nation’s ability to feed its growing population while strengthening its agricultural exports and global standing.
