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India’s rice production for 2024-25 is projected to reach a record 139 million tonnes, according to the USDA, driven by expanded acreage in the kharif season and favourable monsoon conditions. The rice planting area has increased by 4%, totaling 409.50 lakh hectares, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal contributing to the rise. Strong reservoir levels further improve prospects for a robust rabi crop. In 2023-24, India produced 136.7 million tonnes of rice. Exporters are now urging the government to lift restrictions on parboiled and white rice exports to capitalize on the large crop, which has sustained minimal damage despite some areas receiving excess rainfall.

Key Highlights

# The USDA projects India's 2024-25 rice output to reach a record 139 million tonnes.

# Monsoon rainfall boosts rice acreage, especially in eastern states.

# Kharif season acreage expanded by 4%, supporting overall production.

# High reservoir levels increase prospects for a strong rabi crop.

# Exporters call for lifting export duties on parboiled and white rice.

India's rice production is projected to reach a record 139 million tonnes for 2024-25, according to the latest report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This marks a 1 million-tonne increase over the previous estimate, driven by expanded paddy acreage in the kharif cropping season and favourable monsoon conditions, particularly in eastern states. The higher reservoir levels have further raised expectations for a robust rabi crop, providing additional support to production levels.

In 2023-24, India's rice production was recorded at 136.7 million tonnes, slightly above the previous year’s output of 135.7 million tonnes. This steady growth trend is largely attributed to a 4% increase in rice planting during the current kharif season, with 409.50 lakh hectares (lh) under cultivation, compared to 393.57 lh last year. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal have seen significant increases in rice acreage, while only a few states, including Telangana and Odisha, have reported a slight decline.

While the crop outlook remains strong, exporters are urging the government to lift export restrictions on parboiled and white rice. According to B V Krishna Rao, President of The Rice Exporters Association, the government's decision would support trade, given the ample production this year. Similarly, Rahul Chauhan of Igrain India emphasized that despite some excess rains, the rice crop has sustained no major damage, ensuring a positive outlook for both the kharif and rabi seasons.

Finally

With favourable weather and increased acreage, India is on track to achieve record rice production, supporting strong domestic and export prospects.

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