10 Major Rice Producing States in India You Should Know

Rice is one of the most important staple foods in India, consumed by more than half of the population. It is also a major source of income for millions of farmers who grow it in different regions of the country. But which are the states that produce the most rice in India? And what are the factors that influence their rice production? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we explore the 10 major rice producing states in India and their characteristics.

1. West Bengal

The largest rice producer in India, West Bengal accounts for about 15% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a favorable climate and soil for rice cultivation, as well as a large network of irrigation facilities. The main varieties of rice grown in West Bengal are aus, aman, boro, and hybrid. The state also produces some specialty rices, such as basmati, gobindobhog, and aromatic rices.

2. Uttar Pradesh

The second largest rice producer in India, Uttar Pradesh contributes about 13% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a diverse agro-climatic zone, ranging from sub-tropical to semi-arid, which allows it to grow different types of rice. The main varieties of rice grown in Uttar Pradesh are basmati, sharbati, pusa, and hybrid. The state also has a large number of rice mills and processing units, which add value to the rice sector.

3. Punjab

The third largest rice producer in India, Punjab accounts for about 11% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a well-developed irrigation system and mechanized farming practices, which enable it to achieve high yields and productivity. The main varieties of rice grown in Punjab are basmati, parmal, and hybrid. The state is also known for its high-quality basmati rice, which is exported to many countries.

4. Andhra Pradesh

The fourth largest rice producer in India, Andhra Pradesh contributes about 10% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a long coastal belt and a fertile delta region, which provide ideal conditions for rice cultivation. The main varieties of rice grown in Andhra Pradesh are samba, sona masuri, swarna, and hybrid. The state also produces some fine rices, such as jeera samba, kurnool samba, and kala jeera.

5. Bihar

The fifth largest rice producer in India, Bihar accounts for about 8% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a large river basin and a flat terrain, which facilitate rice cultivation. The main varieties of rice grown in Bihar are sathi, mansuri, katarni, and hybrid. The state also produces some aromatic rices, such as champaran hmt and malbhog.

6. Tamil Nadu

The sixth largest rice producer in India, Tamil Nadu contributes about 7% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a diverse topography and climate, which allow it to grow different types of rice. The main varieties of rice grown in Tamil Nadu are ponni, adt-43, co-43, and hybrid. The state also produces some special rices, such as seeraga samba, thanjavur ponni, and kattuyanam.

7. Odisha

The seventh largest rice producer in India, Odisha accounts for about 6% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a long coastline and a rich delta region, which offer favorable conditions for rice cultivation. The main varieties of rice grown in Odisha are sarala, lalat, nua dhan, and hybrid. The state also produces some indigenous rices, such as kalajeera, kalinga kalajeera, and mudhi budhi.

8. Chhattisgarh

The eighth largest rice producer in India, Chhattisgarh contributes about 5% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a hilly terrain and a moderate climate, which suit rice cultivation. The main varieties of rice grown in Chhattisgarh are dubraj, mahamaya, samleshwari, and hybrid. The state also produces some scented rices, such as basmati-370 and hmt.

9. Assam

The ninth largest rice producer in India, Assam accounts for about 4% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a humid subtropical climate and a fertile valley region, which favor rice cultivation. The main varieties of rice grown in Assam are ahu, sali, boro, and hybrid. The state also produces some glutinous rices, such as bora, joha, and komal.

10. Telangana

The tenth largest rice producer in India, Telangana contributes about 4% of the total rice production in the country. The state has a semi-arid climate and a rain-fed agriculture system, which challenge rice cultivation. The main varieties of rice grown in Telangana are samba masuri, sona masuri, bpt-5204, and hybrid. The state also produces some fine rices, such as telangana sona, ragi mudde, and erra matta.

These are the 10 major rice producing states in India, which together account for more than 80% of the total rice production in the country. Rice is not only a food crop, but also a cultural and economic symbol for many Indians. By knowing more about the rice sector in India, we can appreciate the diversity and richness of this staple food.

How Global Demand Affects Major Rice Producing States

Rice is one of the most important cereal crops in the world, providing food and income for billions of people. According to the latest data, nearly 510 million metric tons of milled rice were produced worldwide in 2019, with 85% of it coming from just 10 countries. China and India are the top two producers, accounting for more than half of the global total. In this blog post, we will explore how global demand affects the major rice producing states in India, which is the largest exporter of rice in the world.

The Rise of Rice Exports from India

India has a long history of rice cultivation, dating back to ancient times. Rice is grown in almost all parts of the country, but some states have a higher share in production than others. The major rice producing states are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, and Haryana. These states account for about 80% of India’s total rice production.

India’s rice exports have increased significantly in recent years, thanks to its competitive prices and diverse varieties. In 2020-21, India exported 18.5 million metric tons of rice, valued at $8.4 billion, which was a record high. The main destinations for Indian rice were Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Benin, and Yemen. The robust global demand also helped India’s growth in rice exports.

The Impact of Global Demand on Rice Production

The increasing global demand for rice has both positive and negative impacts on rice production in India. On the one hand, it provides an opportunity for farmers to increase their income and invest in better inputs and technologies. It also encourages the development of infrastructure and logistics to facilitate trade and transport. It also creates employment opportunities for rural workers and contributes to food security and poverty reduction.

On the other hand, it also poses some challenges and risks for rice production. For instance, it may lead to overexploitation of natural resources such as land and water, which can degrade soil quality and reduce water availability. It may also increase the vulnerability of farmers to price fluctuations and market uncertainties. It may also affect the domestic consumption and availability of rice, especially for low-income consumers who depend on it as a staple food.

The Way Forward for Sustainable Rice Production

To balance the benefits and costs of global demand for rice, India needs to adopt sustainable practices and policies for rice production. Some of the possible measures are:

Promoting climate-smart agriculture that enhances resilience to climate change and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Improving water use efficiency and irrigation management to conserve water resources and prevent salinization.
Adopting integrated pest management and organic farming to reduce chemical inputs and protect biodiversity.
Diversifying crop rotations and intercropping to improve soil health and productivity.
Enhancing quality standards and traceability to ensure food safety and consumer satisfaction.
Supporting farmer cooperatives and organizations to improve bargaining power and access to markets.
Providing crop insurance and social protection to reduce risk exposure and vulnerability.

By implementing these measures, India can ensure that its rice production meets the global demand without compromising its environmental and social sustainability.

References:

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/03/visualizing-the-world-s-biggest-rice-producers/
https://www.statista.com/topics/1443/rice/
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1818313
https://www.indiastat.com/agriculture-data/8/stats.aspx

https://www.indiastat.com/agriculture-data/8/rice/203/stats.aspx

https://www.agrifarming.in/rice-production-in-india-varieties-states-climate-problems