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India Becomes World’s Top Rice Producer at 149 Million Tonnes

23 June 20251 min read
AGRICULTURE & RURALIndia BecomesWorld’s Top RiceProducer at 149Million Tonnes23 June 2025safalsetu.com

In June 2025 India was reported as the top rice producer worldwide.

Key facts

  • Output: record 149 million tonnes in 2025, ahead of China.
  • Exports: top exporter since 2012, nearly 40% of world trade; also second-largest wheat producer.
  • Drivers: IR8 adoption in 1966, breeding programmes for resilient high-yield varieties, MSP, input subsidies and assured procurement.

Concerns

  • Paddy needs up to 15,000 litres per kg, about 2.5 times the real requirement.
  • Rice takes 45-50% of irrigation water, hurting water tables in Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
  • Heavy irrigation raises paddy-field emissions.

Way forward

  • Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) save 30-60% water, cut emissions and inputs, and hold yields.

Exam angle

  • Rice revolution variety: IR8.

Test yourself

1. Which rice variety's early adoption in 1966 is credited with catalysing India's rice revolution?

The notes credit early adoption of IR8 in 1966.

2. How much water can DSR and AWD methods save, according to the notes?

They can save 30-60% water.

3. Since which year has India been the top global rice exporter, per the notes?

India has led rice exports since 2012.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 22 & 23 June 2025 (14 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizJune 2025

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