India has officially overtaken China to become the world’s top rice producer, recording a record output of 150.18 million tonnes in the 2024–25 crop year, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced. This milestone underscores India’s growing strength in agriculture and its expanding role in global food supply.
China, which long dominated rice production, was surpassed this year as India’s rice output outpaced it. The achievement reflects continued policy support, adoption of improved farming techniques, and sustained efforts by the Indian farming community.
At the same event, the minister unveiled 184 new improved crop varieties developed across 25 crops by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These high‑yielding and climate‑resilient seeds are expected to further increase productivity and farmers’ incomes nationwide.
Analysts say India’s rise to the top in rice production strengthens global food security and highlights its emergence not just as a producer but a key supplier in international rice markets. With exports to numerous countries continuing to grow, India’s agricultural footprint is expanding beyond its borders.
