Rice, being the staple food for more than half of India’s population, holds a significant place in the country’s agrarian economy. India is one of the largest producers and exporters of rice globally, and its agricultural landscape is dominated by states that contribute substantially to this essential grain. In 2025, several Indian states continue to lead the chart in rice production, thanks to advancements in irrigation technology, government schemes, and scientific farming methods. Let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of the top 5 rice producing states in India in 2025.
1. West Bengal – The Unchallenged Leader in Rice Production
Overview:
West Bengal has consistently retained its position as the highest rice producing state in India. With fertile alluvial soil, abundant rainfall, and favorable climate, the state provides an ideal environment for rice cultivation.
Key Regions and Practices:
- Major rice-producing districts include Bardhaman, Bankura, and Birbhum.
- The state practices three cropping seasons: Aus (pre-kharif), Aman (kharif), and Boro (rabi), ensuring year-round rice cultivation.
- The Boro rice crop has seen significant growth due to the availability of irrigated land.
2025 Highlights:
- West Bengal has produced over 15.8 million tonnes of rice in 2025.
- Introduction of hybrid varieties and state-sponsored irrigation projects has boosted yield per hectare.
- Emphasis on organic farming in select districts to meet global export standards.
2. Uttar Pradesh – Agricultural Heartland with Expanding Rice Acreage
Overview:
Uttar Pradesh, known for its vast agricultural expanse, ranks second in rice production. Its success is attributed to the availability of arable land, dense canal network, and proactive government support for farmers.
Key Regions and Practices:
- Prominent rice-producing districts include Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Bareilly.
- Farmers are increasingly adopting mechanized farming techniques and direct seeding of rice (DSR).
- The state government has launched schemes promoting low water-intensive rice varieties.
2025 Highlights:
- Annual rice production has crossed 13.5 million tonnes.
- Strong emphasis on climate-resilient crops to combat erratic monsoon patterns.
- Digital platforms for crop advisory services have been launched to support farmers in real-time.
3. Punjab – Pioneering High-Yield, Mechanized Rice Farming
Overview:
Despite being a water-stressed state, Punjab continues to be a dominant player in rice production, largely due to its high-yielding seed varieties, advanced irrigation systems, and mechanization.
Key Regions and Practices:
- Ludhiana, Patiala, and Sangrur are leading districts in rice output.
- Adoption of precision agriculture and laser levelling technology has improved water use efficiency.
- The shift towards short-duration paddy varieties is aimed at reducing groundwater depletion.
2025 Highlights:
- Total rice production has reached approximately 12.2 million tonnes.
- Significant adoption of Sustainable Rice Intensification (SRI) techniques.
- A growing trend of basmati rice exports, with high demand in the Middle East and Europe.
4. Andhra Pradesh – The Coastal Powerhouse of Paddy Cultivation
Overview:
Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a rice production powerhouse, especially in the Godavari and Krishna delta regions. The state benefits from fertile coastal plains and a robust irrigation infrastructure.
Key Regions and Practices:
- Major rice belts include East Godavari, West Godavari, and Krishna districts.
- The state has heavily invested in drip irrigation systems and drainage management.
- Focus is on cultivating export-quality varieties like Sona Masoori and BPT.
2025 Highlights:
- Rice production is estimated at over 11.8 million tonnes.
- Use of satellite-based crop monitoring to predict yields and manage pest outbreaks.
- A surge in organic rice farming cooperatives has gained traction.
5. Telangana – A Rising Star in Rice Production
Overview:
Telangana, one of the youngest states in India, has rapidly climbed the ranks in rice production due to its ambitious agricultural initiatives and heavy investment in irrigation projects like the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Key Regions and Practices:
- Important rice-producing areas include Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Warangal.
- The state encourages the use of high-efficiency irrigation and post-harvest management practices.
- Government policies are focused on providing minimum support price (MSP) and promoting procurement centers.
2025 Highlights:
- Telangana has produced close to 10.5 million tonnes of rice this year.
- Integration of agri-tech startups and mobile soil testing labs to enhance productivity.
- Expansion of buffer storage facilities to prevent post-harvest losses.