India Becomes World’s Largest Rice Producer

NEW DELHI – India has surpassed China to become the largest rice producer in the world with a production of 150.18 million tons.

It said it had achieved significant success in the development of high-yielding seeds which has helped it become also a leading exporter of rice to global markets.

China’s rice production stands at 145.28 million tons.

Buoyed by this, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched 184 improved varieties of 25 field crops, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The released varieties include 122 cereals, six pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, six sugarcane varieties, 24 cotton varieties, and one variety each of jute and tobacco.

Farmers will benefit as the varieties are expected to deliver higher yields and better-quality produce. Agricultural scientists are also reported to be focused on increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds to make India self-sufficient.

The newly released varieties have been developed to address challenges facing the agricultural sector such as climate change, soil salinity, drought, and other biotic and abiotic stresses, while also supporting natural and organic farming practices. (IANS)