India has become the world’s largest producer of rice, overtaking China, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in New Delhi on Tuesday. He said India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, while China’s production stands at 145.28 million tonnes. With this achievement, India is also expanding its presence in overseas rice markets, the minister added.
Mr Chouhan was speaking at an event in the national capital where he unveiled 184 improved crop varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. These new varieties cover 25 field crops and include 122 cereals, six pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, six sugarcane varieties, 24 cotton varieties, and one variety each of jute and tobacco.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said India has made strong progress in developing high-yielding and better-quality seeds. He directed officials to ensure that these new varieties reach farmers quickly. He said the seeds will help farmers raise output and improve crop quality.
Mr Chouhan also stressed the need to supply good-quality seeds to every farmer. He asked scientists to focus on boosting pulses and oilseed production. He said India has entered a new phase of agricultural growth, driven by climate-resilient seeds. He credited collective efforts.
