Highest Rice Producing State in India 2025: An Overview

West Bengal leads as the top rice-producing state in India, yielding around 15–16 million tonnes each year. Its fertile Gangetic plains, plentiful rainfall, and nutrient-rich alluvial soil make it ideal for rice cultivation. Uttar Pradesh and Punjab also rank among the major contributors. West Bengal is commonly known as the “Rice Bowl of India”.

Join us on this journey to discover the secrets behind the success of rice production. We’ll explore the rich agricultural practices, the hard work of farmers, and the factors that make West Bengal the highest rice-producing state in India, ensuring we have ample rice on our plates. Get ready for an insightful adventure into the heart of India’s rice production!

Highest Rice Producing State in India

India has the greatest agricultural heritage, which is a thousand years old, like civilization. India’s diverse geographical features make it best suited for cultivating a wide range of crops. While all crops hold significance, rice is the most culturally and quantitatively significant crop. Many states are among the largest producers of rice in India.

In India, people know that growing rice is a way of life. It sustains the livelihoods of many people. India is the world’s leading rice producer and exporter, accounting for nearly 40% of the global rice trade in 2022. The increasing global demand for Indian rice varieties contributes significantly to the country’s export earnings. This article focuses on the highest rice producing state in India, West Bengal, and its effect on the country’s economy.

Top 3 Largest Rice-Producing States of India

The top 3 largest rice-producing states of India are:

• West Bengal
• Uttar Pradesh
• Punjab

Out of the total rice production in India, about 36% comes from these states. West Bengal produces 13.7% of the total rice produced in India. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab contribute 12.51% and 11.8% of the total rice produced in India.

Highest Rice Producing State in India: West Bengal

West Bengal is the highest-producing state in India, with a substantial 14% share of the nation’s rice production. Most of the state’s rice farming occurs in districts like Bankura, Bardhaman, and Midnapore. Popular varieties grown here by farmers include Swarna, IR36, and Sona Masuri, which are in high demand domestically and abroad. 

The state’s favorable climate, fertile soil, and adequate irrigation practices contribute to its leading position in rice production, making it a vital contributor to India’s agricultural landscape and economy. Understanding the dynamics of West Bengal’s rice farming helps highlight its significance as the highest rice producing state in India and its impact on food security and export potential.

The highest rice producing state in India, West Bengal, produced 15.75 million tons of rice, underscoring its vital contribution to the country’s overall rice output.

Second Highest Rice Producing State in India: Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, the second highest rice producing state in India, is known for its lush Gangetic plains, which contribute significantly to the country’s rice production. With a combination of contemporary farming methods and agricultural diversity, the state has seen a substantial increase in producing high-yielding rice varieties such as Pusa Basmati, Sugandha, and Mahsuri. Accounting for 10% of India’s rice production, Uttar Pradesh is recognized for its dedication to the crop. Rice fields can be found in places like Bareilly, Muzaffarnagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, Gorakhpur, and Faizabad. Understanding the role of Uttar Pradesh as India’s second-highest rice producing state helps us appreciate its contribution to the nation’s agricultural landscape and food security.

The highest rice-producing state in India, West Bengal, produced 12.5 million tons of rice, highlighting its crucial role in the overall rice output. This substantial production not only supports domestic consumption but also enhances India’s standing in the global rice market

Third Highest Rice Producing State in India: Punjab

Punjab is one of the leading contributors to rice production in India, with an annual output of 12 million tons, making it the third highest rice producing state in India. With this accomplishment, Punjab is ranked third in the world for rice production, which is impressive. Punjab, well-known for producing premium basmati rice varieties, such as Pusa Basmati 1509 and 1121, has substantially contributed to the rice industry.

The highest rice producing state in India, West Bengal, produced 11.82 million tons of rice, showcasing its significant contribution to the country’s overall rice output.

What are the Top 10 Rice Producing States in India 2025?

The following list includes India’s top 10 highest rice producing states that produce the most rice as of 2025.

Rank	State	Rice Production (million tonnes)	The area under Rice Cultivation (million hectares)
1	West Bengal	15.75	5.46
2	Uttar Pradesh	12.5	5.86
3	Punjab	11.82	2.97
4	Tamil Nadu	7.98	2.04
5	Andhra Pradesh	7.49	2.16
6	Bihar	6.5	3.21
7	Chhattisgarh	6.09	3.82
8	Odisha	5.87	3.94
9	Assam	5.14	2.46
10	Haryana	4.14	1.35

Which are the Major Rice Growing Regions in India?

Regarding rice production in India, the largest rice producer in West Bengal is recognized as the highest rice-producing state in India. The highest rice-producing state in India, understanding more than just the most prominent state is crucial. Rice cultivation thrives in diverse agro-climatic zones, with five central regions standing out:

Southern Region:

• Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka are the main rice producers in South India.
• In the southern region, farmers grow most rice in the deltaic areas of the Krishna, Godavari, and Cauvery rivers.
• Known for diverse rice varieties and substantial contributions to India’s total rice production.

Western Region:

• The Western states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are the primary rice-growing regions.
• Farmers grow most rice in rainfed conditions between June and August and October and December.
• Benefits from a favorable climate and effective agricultural practices.

Northern Region:

• The states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are among those in the northern region that grow rice.
• A hub for extensive rice cultivation using modern farming techniques.

Eastern Region:

• West Bengal, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar are among the Eastern states where rice is grown.
• The country’s eastern region is where rice cultivation is most intense.
• In the basins of the Ganga and Mahanadi rivers, rice is grown.
• Flourishes due to abundant water resources and fertile soil.

North-Eastern Region:

• Assam and other North Eastern states are the home of rice cultivation in the region.
• In this area, there is a lot of rainfall during rice cultivation.
• In the Northeast, farmers grow rice in the Brahmaputra river basin.
• Known for unique agroecological conditions, cultivating traditional rice varieties, and boasting rich biodiversity.
• These regions collectively contribute significantly to India’s food security by producing a variety of rice, with the highest rice producing state in India, West Bengal, leading the way. The diverse geography and climate across these areas, including states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, make India a global leader in rice production.

Largest Rice Producing State in India 2025

Here’s a table summarizing the highest paddy crop-producing states in India:

Rank	State	Paddy Production (in million tons)	Key Districts
1	West Bengal	15.75	Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad
2	Punjab	11.29	Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Moga
3	Uttar Pradesh	12.77	Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Faizabad
4	Andhra Pradesh	10.37	Krishna, West Godavari
5	Tamil Nadu	8.31	Thanjavur, Tiruvarur

The Pinnacle: Top 5 Rice Producing States in India

In various regions of the country, farmers cultivate rice, and among them, India’s top 5 rice-producing states are:

1. West Bengal – Known as the “Land of Diversity,” West Bengal has the perfect climatic zones for rice cultivation. The state follows SRI and the strategy of using hybrid rice in cultivation, earning renown for producing the Gobindobhog variety of rice. West Bengal is the largest rice-producing state in India. This is because of the state’s rainfall and the type of soil.
2. Uttar Pradesh – The second largest rice-producing state in India. The gigantic plains in this state contribute to rice production by providing a clear field for cultivation. Uttar Pradesh follows the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), in which the farmers keep space in the rice plants to optimize water use. The state also uses organic farming practices.
3. Punjab – Punjab uses technology in agriculture and rice cultivation. Its fertile land supports direct seeding and efficient resource utilization.
4. Andhra Pradesh – Located in southern India, Andhra Pradesh produces the most valuable Basmati and Sona Masoori rice varieties. Farmers cultivate this rice using a combination of traditional and modern knowledge.
5. Telangana – Despite being a new state, this one has made its name among India’s top five rice-producing states. Although the climate challenges this state, farmers have adapted water management techniques for rice cultivation.

India’s Global Rice Production Ranking

With over 129 million metric tons of millet rice production in 2022, India became the second largest producer of rice globally after China. China produced 148 million metric tons of millet rice in the same year.  States of India like Punjab, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh have helped this country produce millions of tons of rice. Understanding the role of the highest rice producing state in India is essential, as these states contribute significantly to the national rice output and play a vital role in sustaining cultural practices and traditions that revolve around rice.

The country’s role as one of the major rice-producing countries has ensured an ample supply in domestic and global households. Understanding the highest rice-producing state in India, West Bengal, is essential, as it highlights the contributions of this state along with others like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, all of which have significantly boosted production levels. Globally, India has exported many rice varieties and has played a crucial role as a significant contributor to the market.

Major Rice Producing Nations

According to statistics, the Asia-Pacific region produces and consumes over 90% of the world’s rice. In that region, India and China are leading nations that grow rice. These two countries have vast paddy fields, rural labor, and favorable conditions for rice cultivation. Some more nations are-

1. China – As the world’s largest rice-producing country, China leads in rice cultivation. The country uses advanced techniques and terraced fields to produce rice.
2. India is renowned for its rice varieties. This country is globally on top as a rice exporter, producing varieties of Basmati and non-Basmati rice. The largest rice producer in India is West Bengal because this state receives a high amount of rainfall. Within India, the highest rice-producing state is West Bengal, which significantly contributes to the country’s overall rice output. 
3. Indonesia – This nation supports and promotes modern farming techniques.
4. Bangladesh – Rice is a staple diet in Bangladesh. The country is focused on reducing hunger by providing high-yielding rice to the rural people.
5. Vietnam produces highly fragrant varieties of rice. In 2022, the amount of rice production was 42.7 million metric tons, a decrease from the year 2021, when it was 43.85 million metric tons.
6. Thailand – This country’s rice is known globally for its aromatic jasmine rice. In the years 2021-2022, the production volume of rice went from 20.95 million tons to 21.77 million tons.

Rank	Country	Notes
1	China	Highest rice producing country
2	India	Major exporter of rice
3	Indonesia	Significant production
4	Bangladesh	Growing rice industry
5	Vietnam	Major exporter

This table highlights the top rice-producing countries, with China being recognized as the country with the highest rice production globally.  Among the states in India, the highest rice-producing state is West Bengal, followed by other significant contributors like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

The Green Revolution and Rice Cultivation

The Green Revolution started at the beginning of the mid-20th century. William S. Gaud of the United States Agency for International Development coined the term “Green Revolution.” The initiative aimed to alleviate hunger in the Mexican and Indian subcontinent by cultivating high-yielding varieties (HYVs), such as rice and wheat. Scientists developed genetically improved varieties of wheat and rice by incorporating genes responsible for photo-insensitivity in rice. Indian scientists tested these HYVs of wheat and rice in 1962 and 1964, and they allowed the adaptation of these varieties in India’s agriculture sector.

Green Revolution brought HYVs with new agricultural practices like using chemical pesticides (harmful practices), use of tractors, and controlling water supply to the crops (done with the help of canals and tube wells).  These advancements significantly impacted rice production, particularly in the highest rice producing state in India, West Bengal, as well as in other states like Punjab and Haryana.

Rice Cultivation Practices in West Bengal

1. Preparation of the Land: First, the land is turned over and filled with water. This aids in weed control and the prevention of soil erosion.
2. Selection and Planting of Seeds: They choose high-quality seeds that are compatible with the soil and climate of West Bengal. First, these seeds are sown in a designated bed. After a few weeks, they transfer the young plants, frequently by hand, to the flooded fields.
3. Water Management: Rice cultivation dramatically depends on effective water management. Numerous rivers and canals in West Bengal facilitate irrigation. They maintain a thin layer of water in the fields, which is necessary for rice plants at various growth stages.
4. Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers: Farmers apply chemical and natural fertilizers to improve the soil’s fertility and keep weeds and pests away from the rice. However, some farmers are now attempting to employ more organic techniques to be more environmentally friendly.
5. Crop rotation and intercropping: Farmers grow different crops in the same fields to control pests and maintain healthy soil. After planting rice, they frequently cultivate oilseeds, vegetables, or legumes.
6. Harvesting: In West Bengal, farmers harvest rice twice a year. They use tiny sickles to accomplish it by hand. The first harvest, “Aman,” occurs in November or December, and the second, “Boro,” appears in April or May.
7. Post-Harvest Processing: After harvesting the rice, farmers in the highest rice producing state in India, West Bengal, separate the grains from the stalks, removing any extra material. Following this, they dry the rice to reduce moisture content and ensure proper preservation. Once dried, the rice is either stored for future use or sent to be milled.

What are the Challenges in Rice Production in India?

The production of rice has faced many challenges. I will detail these challenges below.

1. Climate change – Global warming has disrupted the climate and disturbed rice production in India. The increase in temperature and extreme weather events have destroyed traditional planting and harvesting seasons. To overcome this situation, farmers use a climate-resilient variety of rice. The climate-resilient rice crops are “Swarna Purvi Dhan 1,” “Swarn Purvi Dhan 2,” and “Swarn Shusk Dhan.”
2. Pests and Diseases – The government of India has implemented some strategies to control pests and diseases. The use of biological control agents like Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescence, and Trichoderma species has played a role in pest control in rice crops.
3. Water Management – Floods and droughts cause inefficient water management. We use water-efficient techniques to optimize water use and maintain rice yields.

What are the Different Rice Varieties in India?

The rice production in India is known for the varieties of rice this country produces. Some of those varieties of rice are –

1. Basmati- is the most fragrant, slender, and long grain of rice. Its aroma is most renowned, and people in the northern region of India primarily use it in Biryani and pilafs.
2. Jasmine- This variety is famous in South India. It is used to make many Asian dishes. Thailand mostly produces this variety, which attains a soft and sticky texture when fully cooked. Caribbean dishes utilize Jasmine rice, and its aroma enhances the flavor of most curry dishes.
3. Kolam- This variety of rice grows majorly in Tamil Nadu.
4. Its firm grain is renowned, and it is used in the preparation of tamarind rice.
5. Tamarind rice works as a medicinal potion for general illness.
6. Sona Masoori – This is a medium-sized grain of rice. Due to its puffy nature, people mostly use it to prepare South Indian dishes like idli and dosa.
7. Brown Rice is the most nutrient- and fiber-rich rice variety. Its most customers are health-conscious consumers, and it is used as a healthy alternative to white rice.
8. Mogra Rice – This is a non-glutinous, cost-effective variety of rice. Because of its fluffy appearance, it is used to cook biryani.
9. Bamboo Rice – This rice is made from shoots of bamboo. It has many nutritional properties.
10. Red Rice – This variety of rice contains an antioxidant named anthocyanin, which is valued for its health benefits. Countries like Thailand, Bhutan, and various African nations utilize this rice variety. In India, the highest rice producing state in India, West Bengal, is known for cultivating such diverse rice varieties, including those rich in anthocyanin.

Boosting Rice Yields: Smart Ways to Grow More with Less

Improving rice production in India requires a balanced approach combining traditional wisdom with modern innovation. Farmers can adopt high-yield seed varieties, practice crop rotation, and use precision farming tools like drip irrigation and soil health monitoring to enhance output. Integrated pest management and timely use of organic fertilizers also play a key role. Additionally, access to real-time weather forecasts, government support schemes, and training in sustainable techniques empower farmers to boost rice yields while protecting the environment.

Essential Tips and Tricks to Improve Rice Yield

• Use High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): Choose improved rice seed varieties like IR64, MTU-1010, or hybrid seeds developed for your agro-climatic zone.
• Follow Proper Spacing: Maintain a spacing of 20×15 cm or 20×10 cm for better tillering and sunlight exposure.
• Apply Balanced Fertilizers:
  • Based on soil testing, use nitrogen (Urea), Phosphorus (DAP), and Potassium (MOP).
  • Apply Zinc Sulphate and Iron Chelates if micronutrient deficiency is observed.
• Adopt System of Rice Intensification (SRI): This technique improves root growth, reduces water use, and increases yields.
• Control Weeds Early: Use pre-emergent herbicides like Butachlor or Pendimethalin, followed by manual or mechanical weeding.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
  • Use biological controls like Trichoderma and Neem-based bio-pesticides.
  • For major pests like stem borers or leaf folders, apply Chlorantraniliprole or Fipronil under expert guidance.
• Ensure Timely Irrigation: Maintain shallow water during initial growth and avoid water stagnation during panicle initiation.
• Use Organic Compost: Apply green manure, vermicompost, and biofertilizers (e.g., Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria) for sustainable growth.
• Monitor Crop Health Digitally: Use agri-apps or local Kisan Centers for weather updates, pest alerts, and fertilizer calculators.

By adopting these practices, rice farmers can significantly improve their yield, reduce input costs, and contribute to food security with sustainable methods.

Conclusion

India ranks among the top countries for its rice production, and regions like Uttar Pradesh, the country’s second largest producer of rice in India, while considering rice as a symbol of purity and prosperity. During Hindu weddings, people throw rice into the sacred fire. West Bengal is the Highest Rice-Producing State in India.

The country’s role as one of the major rice-producing countries has ensured ample supply in domestic and global households. The increasing global demand for Indian rice varieties, particularly those from the Top rice producing states in India, West Bengal, contributes significantly to the country’s export earnings.

Read more:

• Which is the national fruit of India?
• Understanding Operation Flood: The White Revolution in India
• Father of Green Revolution in India: Discover the Pioneer
• The World Environment Day

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