India Becomes World’s Largest Rice Producer Surpassing China

India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, overtaking China with a total production of 150.18 million tonnes, according to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. China’s rice output currently stands at 145.28 million tonnes, placing India at the top globally.

The announcement was made in New Delhi during the release of 184 new crop varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Addressing the event, the minister highlighted that India has transformed from a food-deficient country into a global food supplier, marking a major milestone in the agricultural sector.

Also Read

India Becomes World’s Largest Rice Producer Surpassing China

Role of High-Yielding and Climate-Resilient Seeds

The minister credited India’s success to the development of high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties. These seeds are resistant to major pests and diseases and ensure better productivity even under changing climatic conditions.

He also emphasized that India currently has adequate foodgrain stocks, ensuring national food security, while also enabling rice exports to international markets.

Release of 184 New Crop Varieties

The 184 newly released varieties cover 25 different crops, including:

• 122 cereals
• 6 pulses
• 13 oilseeds
• 11 fodder crops
• 6 sugarcane varieties
• 24 cotton varieties (including 22 Bt cotton)
• 1 jute and 1 tobacco variety

These varieties were developed by ICAR institutes, central and state agricultural universities, and private seed companies.

Crop Variety Notification Data

Since the start of the gazette notification process in 1969, a total of 7,205 crop varieties have been notified in India.

• 3,236 varieties were approved under the Narendra Modi-led government
• 3,969 varieties were notified between 1969 and 2014

Strengthening Seed Availability

Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi stated that seed multiplication rates have been increased by 1.5 to 2 times to improve availability. National and State Seed Corporations are ensuring that quality seeds reach farmers at affordable prices.

The minister also urged scientists to focus more on pulses and oilseeds production to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce import dependence.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• India’s rice production: 150.18 million tonnes
• China’s rice production: 145.28 million tonnes
• India is now the world’s largest rice producer
• 184 new crop varieties released by ICAR
• Total crop varieties notified since 1969: 7,205
• Climate-resilient and pest-resistant seeds are driving growth
• Focus areas: Pulses and oilseeds self-sufficiency

Question & Answer

Q1. India recently surpassed which country to become the world’s largest rice producer?
(a) Vietnam
(b) Thailand
(c) China
(d) Indonesia
Answer: China

Q2. What is India’s total rice production as announced by the Union Agriculture Minister?
(a) 140.25 million tonnes
(b) 145.28 million tonnes
(c) 148.90 million tonnes
(d) 150.18 million tonnes
Answer: 150.18 million tonnes

Q3. How many new crop varieties were released by ICAR in the recent announcement?
(a) 150
(b) 172
(c) 184
(d) 200
Answer: 184

Q4. Since 1969, how many crop varieties have been notified in India?
(a) 6,205
(b) 6,905
(c) 7,105
(d) 7,205
Answer: 7,205

Q5. Which type of seeds are considered the main driver of India’s new agricultural revolution?
(a) Organic seeds
(b) Hybrid seeds
(c) Climate-resilient high-yielding seeds
(d) Imported seeds
Answer: Climate-resilient high-yielding seeds

🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests