India Breaks Global Record to Become World’s Largest Rice Producer Again in 2025-26

This achievement marks the tenth consecutive year that India has outpaced China in rice production, underlining the country’s growing strength and consistency in the global food system. With this output, India will account for more than 28 percent of total global rice production, estimated at 540.4 million metric tons.

India’s Rice Output Reaches Historic High

The USDA projection highlights how India has steadily expanded its rice production capacity over the past decade. The 2025-26 figures represent one of the highest production levels ever recorded by any country, reinforcing India’s role as a backbone of global food security.

Agricultural experts say this milestone reflects a combination of favorable natural conditions and supportive government policies. From improved seed varieties to better farm practices, India’s rice sector has shown remarkable resilience even as climate uncertainty continues to affect agriculture worldwide.

Favourable Weather and Expanded Planting Key Drivers

One of the major reasons behind the production surge is favourable monsoon rainfall across key rice-growing states. Timely and well-distributed rains helped farmers expand planting areas and improve crop yields, particularly in eastern and southern regions.

In addition to weather support, expanded acreage under rice cultivation played a critical role. Farmers responded positively to improved market conditions and policy incentives, choosing rice over other crops due to assured returns and strong demand, both domestically and internationally.

Higher Support Prices Boost Farmer Confidence

Another crucial factor behind India’s record rice output is the increase in minimum support prices (MSP). Higher MSPs encouraged farmers to invest more in inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation, leading to better productivity.

Government procurement at assured prices has reduced market risk for farmers, especially small and marginal cultivators. Analysts say this policy stability has helped India maintain a steady growth trajectory in rice production, even during years of global economic uncertainty.

India’s Growing Share in Global Rice Production

With over 28 percent of the world’s rice supply, India now plays a decisive role in stabilising international rice markets. Many countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East rely heavily on Indian rice exports to meet their food requirements.

Although the USDA projection focuses on production rather than exports, experts note that India’s large surplus gives it significant influence over global rice prices. This leadership position, however, also comes with responsibility, as any domestic policy change in India can have ripple effects across international markets.

Roots in the Green Revolution

India’s continued dominance in rice production is closely linked to the foundations laid during the Green Revolution, which transformed the country from a food-deficient nation into a self-sufficient agricultural powerhouse.

High-yield seed varieties, irrigation expansion, fertilizer use, and scientific farming methods introduced decades ago still form the backbone of India’s rice sector. Over time, these systems have been refined and adapted, allowing India to keep pace with growing population demands and global competition.

Challenges Beneath the Success Story

Despite the impressive numbers, experts warn that India’s rice success story faces serious sustainability challenges. Rice is a water-intensive crop, and large-scale cultivation has contributed to groundwater depletion in several states.

Regions such as Punjab and Haryana, which were once the engines of the Green Revolution, are now grappling with falling water tables. Environmentalists caution that continuing to rely heavily on rice could threaten long-term agricultural stability if water management reforms are not implemented.

Need for Crop Diversification

Agricultural economists increasingly stress the importance of crop diversification. While rice remains vital for food security, overdependence on a single crop can expose farmers and ecosystems to risk.

Experts suggest promoting alternative crops such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds, which require less water and are better suited to changing climate conditions. Diversification, they argue, would not only protect natural resources but also improve farmer incomes by reducing input costs and market volatility.