India overtakes China to become world’s largest rice producer with record 154 mn tonne output
India became the world’s largest rice producer in 2025-26, surpassing China with record rice output of 154.02 million tonnes. India also achieved record wheat, maize and oilseed production, while preparing climate-focused kharif strategies to manage possible El Niño risks.
New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for Indian agriculture, the country has overtaken China to claim the top spot as the world’s largest rice producer, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Thursday. Rice production has hit a record 154.02 million tonnes in the 2025-26 crop year, up from 150.18 million tonnes the previous year, according to third advance estimates released by the agriculture ministry.
“Rice production has reached 154.024 million tonnes and India has now become number one in the world, surpassing China,” Chouhan said, crediting the achievement to farmers’ hard work, government schemes and newly developed seed varieties.
Record foodgrain production across the board
The rice milestone is part of a broader agricultural surge. Total foodgrain production for 2025-26 has been estimated at 376.563 million tonnes, nearly 18.8 million tonnes higher than the previous year. Wheat production reached a record 120.657 million tonnes, while maize output stood at 55.092 million tonnes, also a record. Oilseed production is projected at 43.059 million tonnes, with groundnut at 13.074 million tonnes and rapeseed-mustard at 13.768 million tonnes, both record highs. Pulse production also registered growth, with the minister noting strong potential for further increases in coming years.
Kharif strategy and climate challenges
With the kharif sowing season approaching, the government is drawing up contingency plans to manage weather disruptions linked to the possible emergence of El Nino. Chouhan described climate change as a major challenge, pointing to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells as rapidly altering farming conditions. Special focus will be placed on natural farming, Soil Health Cards and balanced fertiliser use, with the minister noting that many farmers currently apply fertilisers in excess due to lack of awareness. Separate missions have been created for pulses and oilseeds and discussions with states will cover seed quality, seed replacement rates and processing infrastructure. The horticulture sector, Cotton Mission and integrated farming models for small and marginal farmers will also feature prominently in the national kharif deliberations.
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Source : News 9 Live
