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India Surpasses China as World’s Largest Rice Producer at 150 MT
India records rice production of 150 MT, surpassing China. The Union Agriculture Minister releases 184 new high-yielding seed varieties for 25 crops, alongside updates on rice production and exports.
Rice Production, Exports, and Crop Requirements :
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Current trigger | India records rice production of 150 MT and surpasses China as the world’s largest rice producer. |
| Authority | Union Agriculture Minister releases 184 new high-yielding seed varieties for 25 crops. |
| Major rice producers | India (150 MT), China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka and Egypt. |
| India’s rice export status (2024–25) | 20.1 million metric tonnes of rice in 2024–25. |
| Major export destinations of India’s rice | Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Benin, United Arab Emirates. |
| State-wise rice production share in India (2024–25) | Uttar Pradesh (13.8%), Telangana (11.6%), West Bengal (10.6%), Punjab (9.5%), Chhatisgarh (7%). |
| Rice crop type and regional staple | Rice is a major food crop of the world and staple diet of tropical and sub-tropical regions. |
| Rice growing range in India | Grown from 8°N to 30°N latitude and from sea level to about 2,500 metre altitude. |
| Soil tolerance | Grown in silts, loams and gravels; can tolerate acidic as well as alkaline soils. |
| Climatic requirements | Abundant rainfall (100-150cm), high humidity, and high temperature (30°C during day and 20°C at night). |
| Water requirement and plant type | Paddy is a semi-aquatic plant that requires standing water (averaging 10–15 cm) for three-quarters of its growing season. |
| Best subsoil and pH | Grows best in impermeable subsoil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. |
| Cropping seasons in India | Aman (Winter rice): sown June–July; harvested November–December; Aus (Autumn rice): sown May–June; harvested September–October; Boro (Summer rice): cultivated between November and May. |