Online Reporter
NEW DELHI. – In a historic achievement for Indian agriculture, the country has overtaken China to become the world’s largest rice producer with a record harvest, according to a statement by India’s Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
According to preliminary estimates from the ministry, rice production reached a record 154,02 million tonnes in the 2025-26 agricultural year, up from 150,18 million tonnes in the previous period.
The minister attributes this achievement to the hard work of farmers, government programmes and the development of new seed varieties.
The milestone in rice production is part of a broader agricultural advance. Total food grain production for 2025-26 was estimated at 376,6 million tonnes, which is some 18,8 million tonnes more than in the previous year. Wheat reached a record 120,7 million tonnes, while maize reached 55,1 million tonnes, also an unprecedented result.
The oilseed sector also recorded significant figures: 43,1 million tonnes in total, with peanuts standing out at 13,1 million tonnes and rapeseed at 13,8 million tonnes.
India’s record reflects a broader trend among BRICS and partner countries, where rice plays a central role in food security, agricultural innovation and international cooperation agendas. – tvbrics.com
Peter Tanyanyiwa