India Overtakes China to Become World’s Largest Rice Producer: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China with an output of 150.18 million tonnes, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare 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 the national capital, Chouhan said the milestone reflects India’s sustained progress in agricultural research, seed development, and farmer-centric policies. He noted that India has not only achieved record production levels but has also strengthened its position as a leading exporter of rice in international markets.

During the event, the minister launched 184 improved varieties of 25 field crops developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These newly released varieties include 122 cereal varieties, six pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, six sugarcane varieties, 24 cotton varieties, and one variety each of jute and tobacco. The minister described the launch as a major step toward enhancing productivity and resilience across India’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Chouhan directed agricultural officials and institutions to ensure that the benefits of these improved varieties reach farmers at the earliest. He said the adoption of advanced seeds would help farmers achieve higher yields, improved quality, and better resistance to environmental stress. Emphasising national priorities, the minister urged scientists and policymakers to intensify efforts to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds, with the aim of making India fully self-reliant in these critical commodities.

Highlighting the pace of agricultural innovation in recent years, Chouhan said that 3,236 high-yielding crop varieties have been approved over the last 11 years under the current government. In comparison, 3,969 varieties were released between 1969 and 2014, underscoring the acceleration in research output and varietal development.

According to the minister, the newly released crop varieties have been specifically designed to address pressing challenges facing Indian agriculture. These include climate change, drought conditions, soil salinity, and various biotic and abiotic stresses. Many of the varieties are also compatible with natural and organic farming practices, aligning with the government’s push for sustainable and environmentally responsible agriculture.

Chouhan said India’s journey from a food-deficient nation to a major global supplier of agricultural produce is a testament to decades of scientific innovation and farmer resilience. He described the current phase as a new agricultural revolution, driven by climate-resilient, high-yielding seeds and modern farming practices.

The Union Minister credited this achievement to the collective efforts of ICAR’s all-India coordinated crop research projects, state and central agricultural universities, and private seed companies. He said continued collaboration among these stakeholders would be essential to sustain growth, enhance farmers’ incomes, and strengthen India’s leadership in global agriculture.

Team Maverick.