India has officially become the world’s largest producer of rice, surpassing China for the first time. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced this milestone in New Delhi on Monday, revealing that India’s rice production has reached an impressive 150.18 million tonnes, compared to China’s 145.28 million tonnes. This achievement not only marks a significant agricultural milestone for India but also highlights the country’s capabilities in exporting rice to international markets.
During an event in the national capital, Chouhan introduced 184 improved varieties of 25 different field crops, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These varieties encompass 122 types of cereals, six types of pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, and several varieties of sugarcane, cotton, jute, and tobacco.
Chouhan emphasized that India has made considerable progress in developing high-yielding seeds and urged agricultural authorities to ensure that these new varieties are promptly made available to farmers. He noted that these improved seeds are designed to help farmers achieve higher productivity and produce better-quality yields. The minister stressed the need for high-quality seeds to be accessible on every farm and called on agricultural scientists to focus on increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds, crucial for the country’s self-sufficiency.
Furthermore, Chouhan pointed out that India has entered a transformative phase in agriculture, driven by high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds. He attributed this achievement to the collaborative efforts of ICAR’s All India Coordinated Research Projects, agricultural universities at both state and central levels, and private seed companies. This significant development not only enhances India’s agricultural profile but also sets the stage for sustaining future agricultural growth.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-overtakes-china-to-emerge-as-worlds-largest-rice-producer-13965706.html
Category: India
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-01-05 17:15:00
