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India Overtakes China as World’s Largest Rice Producer at 150.18 Million Tonnes
India overtakes China to become the world’s largest rice producer with a total output of 150.18 million tonnes. This is announced by the Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, making it a current agriculture-related update of national and international importance.
Rice (Paddy): Production, Seasons, Conditions, and Global/India Rankings
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Crop cycle and harvest duration | Growing cycle about 190 days; harvest season at least 30 days. |
| Cropping seasons | Major kharif crop; also grown in different seasons based on rainfall, temperature, water availability, soil types, and other climatic conditions. |
| Kharif season details | Kharif (Monsoon/Wet Season: July–December) provides for rice as the primary kharif crop in India; grown mainly under rainfed conditions. |
| Rabi season details | Rabi (Dry Season: January–June) provides for rice cultivation in many states where assured irrigation is available. |
| Zaid season details | Zaid Season (Summer: March–June) provides for paddy cultivation along with other summer crops on assured irrigated land before the monsoon begins. |
| Growing conditions | Paddy crop is best suited to regions which have high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and an assured supply of water. |
| Temperature requirement | 20–35°C; maximum temperature 40–42°C. |
| Rainfall requirement | 100–200 cm annually (or assured irrigation). |
| Soil requirements | Sandy to clay; pH comprises 3 to 10; organic matter content comprises 1 to 50%; salt content comprises 0 to 1%; soil provides for high water-retention capacity. |
| Humidity requirement | High humidity favours healthy crop growth. |
| Global production and trade positions | Highest producer: India (150.18 million tonnes); highest exporter: India; highest importer: Philippines, followed by Vietnam as the 2nd-largest importer. |
| Top rice-producing countries (global) | Top 3 rice-producing countries : India (~150 MT), China (~145 MT), and Bangladesh. |
| Largest rice-producing states of India | Largest rice-producing states comprise Uttar Pradesh (13.82%), Telangana (11.62%), West Bengal (10.67%), followed by Punjab (9.56%), Chhattisgarh (6.9%), Odisha (6.34%), Madhya Pradesh (6.07%), Bihar (5.53%), Andhra Pradesh (5.43%), and Tamil Nadu (4.72%). |
| High-Yielding Variety (HYV) | HYV seeds are seeds of better quality than normal quality seeds; provides for higher output per hectare compared to traditional varieties; provides for enhanced climate resilience in some varieties; has more potential against insects and diseases; intends to enhance farmers’ income. |