India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, overtaking China, according to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The announcement comes alongside the government’s rollout of a nationwide contingency plan ahead of the kharif sowing season, as concerns grow over a possible weak monsoon and rising climate-related risks.
For the 2025–26 crop year, India’s rice production is estimated at a record 154.02 million tonnes, up from 150.18 million tonnes in the previous year, as per the Ministry of Agriculture’s third advance estimates. The steady rise highlights strong agricultural output despite growing environmental uncertainties.
At the same time, the government is preparing for potential weather disruptions linked to El Niño conditions, which could affect rainfall patterns and overall crop productivity during the critical farming season. The contingency measures aim to reduce risks to farmers and safeguard food production stability.
