India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China with a record output of 150.18 million tonnes, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Monday. China’s rice production currently stands at 145.28 million tonnes, marking a significant shift in global agricultural rankings.
Addressing an event in New Delhi, the minister attributed this achievement to sustained efforts in developing high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties, along with improved farming practices. He said India has not only strengthened its food security but has also become a leading exporter of rice to international markets.
At the same event, Chouhan launched 184 improved crop varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These include cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder crops, sugarcane, cotton, jute, and tobacco. He directed officials to ensure that these varieties reach farmers quickly so that the benefits of higher productivity and better quality produce are realised at the ground level.
The minister highlighted that 3,236 high-yielding varieties have been approved in the last 11 years, reflecting the government’s focus on agricultural innovation. Many of the newly released seeds are designed to withstand climate change, drought, soil salinity, and pest attacks, while also supporting natural and organic farming.
Chouhan urged agricultural scientists to place special emphasis on increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds, stressing that self-sufficiency in these crops remains a national priority. He noted that India’s journey from a food-deficient nation to a global agricultural supplier is the result of coordinated efforts by ICAR, central and state agricultural universities, and private seed companies.
Calling it a “new phase of agricultural revolution,” the minister said India’s success demonstrates how science-driven farming can ensure food security, boost farmer incomes, and strengthen the country’s position in global food markets.
