India Becomes World’s Top Rice Producer, Surpassing China for the First Time

Key Highlights:

• India produced 1490.74 lakh tonnes of rice in 2024-25.

• China’s rice output was 1452 lakh tonnes this year.

• India now leads the world in rice production and export.

• Rise due to good monsoon, govt support, and new varieties.

• Wheat, maize, and oilseeds also saw record production levels.

India has achieved a historic milestone in agriculture. For the first time ever, the country has surpassed China to become the world’s largest rice producer. This major achievement is credited to the hard work of Indian farmers, favorable monsoon conditions, and supportive government policies.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and estimates from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), India’s rice production for the 2024-25 crop year has reached 1490.74 lakh tonnes, while China’s production stands at 1452 lakh tonnes.

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Historic Achievement in 2024-25 Crop Year

This record-breaking performance is part of India’s total foodgrain production for 2024-25 (July to June), which has reached 3532 lakh tonnes, marking a 6% increase over the previous year. This growth mainly includes rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.

The 8% rise in rice production compared to the previous year played a key role in pushing India to the top position globally.

India Surpasses China for the First Time

China has long been the leader in rice production, but for the first time in history, India has overtaken its neighbor. Despite the narrow margin, this achievement is being seen as a turning point in global agriculture.

It’s also important to note that India has been the largest rice exporter since 2012, and now holds the top spot in both production and export.

India’s Lead Likely to Continue in the Future

The USDA has also projected that India will maintain its lead in rice production in the next crop year as well. For 2025-26, India’s rice output is expected to reach 1480 lakh tonnes, while China is estimated to produce 1453 lakh tonnes.

This confirms that India’s success in rice production is not temporary but part of a long-term trend.

Key Reasons Behind India’s Rice Production Boom

1. Supportive Government Policies

Both central and state governments have played a major role in this success through:

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice

• Subsidy schemes for inputs like seeds and fertilizers

• Promoting modern agricultural practices

2. State-Level Contributions

States such as Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh have shown exceptional performance due to:

• Expansion of irrigation facilities

• Assured procurement of paddy

• Bonuses for farmers

• Free electricity and subsidies for borewell connections

3. Increased Cultivation Area

The area under paddy cultivation has gone up from 478.3 lakh hectares in 2023-24 to around 5.10 crore hectares in 2024-25. The zaid season (summer crop season) has especially seen a noticeable rise.

4. Agricultural Innovations

Indian scientists have developed high-yielding and climate-resilient rice varieties. These new varieties require less water and can grow in limited space, making them ideal for unpredictable weather.

5. Favorable Monsoon

The monsoon in 2024 was 108% of the long-term average, which is considered above normal. This provided the right conditions for sowing and helped improve both Kharif and Rabi crop outputs.

Other Foodgrain Achievements

India’s agricultural success isn’t limited to rice. Several other crops have also seen impressive growth:

• Maize production has seen a big jump, and the government aims to increase it to 500 lakh tonnes by 2030.

• Among pulses, urad production dropped slightly, but moth and horse gram production increased.

• In oilseeds, crops like groundnut (118.9 lakh tonnes) and soybean (151.8 lakh tonnes) have reached record levels.

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CMV360 Says

This proud moment for India is not just a number on a chart, it reflects the strength, skill, and dedication of Indian farmers. With consistent government support, scientific advancements, and favorable weather, India has not only overtaken China in rice production but also laid the foundation for continued leadership in global agriculture.

As the country looks ahead, this victory gives hope for more such milestones in farming, ensuring both food security and economic growth.