In a landmark achievement for Indian agriculture, the country has officially overtaken China to become the world's largest producer of rice. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, made the historic announcement on Sunday, January 5, 2026, in New Delhi.
A Historic Milestone in Food Production
Speaking at an official event, Minister Chouhan revealed the impressive figures behind this accomplishment. India's rice production for the 2024-25 period has reached a record 150.18 million tonnes. This output surpasses China's production of 145.28 million tonnes for the same period, marking a significant shift in global agricultural leadership.
Chouhan described this feat as an "extraordinary achievement" for the nation, highlighting the relentless efforts of millions of farmers and the sustained focus on agricultural research and policy. This milestone solidifies India's position not just as a major consumer, but as the preeminent global producer of the staple grain.
184 New Crop Varieties Launched to Boost Yields
Coinciding with this announcement, the Union Minister unveiled a major push for future agricultural growth. He released a total of 184 new high-yielding seed varieties across 25 different crops. This diverse portfolio is designed to enhance productivity and farmer profitability across the agricultural spectrum.
The breakdown of the new varieties includes:
- 122 varieties of cereals
- 24 varieties of cotton, which include 22 Bt cotton hybrids
- 13 varieties of oilseeds
- 11 new fodder crops
- 6 varieties each of pulses and sugarcane
- 1 variety each of jute and tobacco
Minister Chouhan emphasized that these new seeds are engineered to boost crop production significantly and, consequently, enhance the income of farmers. He issued clear instructions to officials to ensure the swift and efficient distribution of these seeds to farmers across the country, enabling them to benefit from the latest agricultural technology in the upcoming sowing seasons.
National Seeds Corporation Declares Dividend
The event also served as a platform to recognize the contributions of key agricultural institutions. Dr. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the National Seeds Corporation (NSC), presented a dividend cheque to the Union Minister.
The NSC, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Agriculture, declared a final dividend of Rs. 33.26 crore for the Financial Year 2024-25. This substantial dividend represents 30% of the corporation's Profit After Tax, signaling its strong financial health and successful operations in the seed sector.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the ministry, including Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, underscoring the government's collective focus on this sector. This confluence of a historic production record, the launch of next-generation seeds, and the robust performance of a key agricultural PSU paints a picture of a dynamic and forward-moving agricultural ecosystem in India.
The achievement in rice production, coupled with the strategic release of new varieties, is expected to have far-reaching implications. It strengthens national food security, boosts export potential, and provides a concrete pathway for improving rural livelihoods, setting a new benchmark for Indian agriculture on the world stage.
