India Overtakes China as Top Rice Producer: Key Data
Why in the news
India moved past China to become number one in global rice production, credited to wider irrigation, improved seed varieties and favourable procurement.
Key facts
- India: 150.18 MT, rank 1 worldwide.
- China: 145.28 MT, rank 2.
| Rank | State | Output | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Telangana | 16.63 MT | about 12.17% |
| 2 | Uttar Pradesh | 15.72 MT | about 11.50% |
| 3 | West Bengal | 15.12 MT | about 11.06% |
Geography of rice cultivation
- Climate: hot, humid conditions explain its concentration in the east, south and north-east.
- Irrigation: in lower-rainfall areas like Punjab and western UP, canals and tube-wells sustain paddy, but groundwater depletion and water stress follow.
Exam angle
- Rank-1 producer now: India; rank-2: China.
- Leading state in 2023-24: Telangana.