India has become the world's largest rice producer

¨     Union Agriculture Minister said that India has become the world's largest rice producer.

¨     India has become the world’s largest producer of rice, surpassing China in total output.

¨     On 4 January 2026, this achievement was stated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi.

¨     India’s rice production has been reported at 150.18 million tonnes, compared to China’s 145.28 million tonnes.

¨     India’s increased rice output has enabled the country to supply rice to overseas markets.

¨     A total of 184 improved varieties of 25 field crops were unveiled by the Agriculture Minister in the national capital.

¨     These varieties were developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

¨     The 184 varieties released include 122 cereals, 6 pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, 6 sugarcane varieties, 24 cotton varieties, and one variety each of jute and tobacco.

¨     The success has been attributed to the development of high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds.

¨     Officials were directed to ensure rapid distribution of these improved seed varieties to farmers.

¨     The achievement was described as the result of collective efforts by ICAR projects, agricultural universities and private seed companies.