India becomes world's largest rice producer, surpasses China: Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- IBEF
- January 5, 2026
India created history in agricultural production by becoming the world’s largest rice producer, leaving behind China, with its record production of 150.18 million tonnes of rice produced in 2025, according to Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This unprecedented success underlines the success of India's long-term agricultural policies and its transformation from a food-deficient to a major global food-exporting country. Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan released 184 high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties for 25 crops, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with universities and seed companies, at a function in New Delhi aimed at enhancing crop productivity and increasing farmers' incomes. India now accounts for the single largest share of rice production in the world, surpassing China's 145.28 million tonnes, reflecting the strengths of its farming sector in meeting growing domestic food demand and emerging overseas market opportunities.
This agricultural success reinforces India's food security and underlines the importance of science-driven farming innovations. The government, while welcoming the improvement, has emphasized the need for the speedy delivery of these improved seed varieties to farmers so that maximum yield benefits accrue. Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also called for sustained efforts on increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds with a view to enhancing crop diversification and improving rural livelihood further. Strong foodgrain stocks coupled with improved seed multiplication rates will also enable India to further strengthen its position in international rice markets, bolstering the prosperity of farmers and directly contributing to the country's economic growth.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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