Area of cultivation for rice in India FY 2014-2024

In fiscal year 2024, India had an estimated 47.6 million hectares of land area for rice cultivation. The south Asian country is the second-largest producer of rice globally, and the largest exporter. 

Where is rice grown in India?

Rice is considered a kharif or monsoon crop, grown in climates that are hot and humid. As a principal crop in India, it is produced in the coastal strips on the eastern and western pockets of the country, the plains of Assam in the north-east, and the foothills of the Himalayas. Sona Masuri, Swarna, IR36, and BPT 5204 are some varieties of rice produced across these regions. The world-famous Basmati rice comes mainly from Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

How much rice does India export?

India was a rice importer until the 1970s, when it was able to domestically meet demand and supply. The country became a major exporter of the food grain in the 2000s. Most recently, rice exports from the country were valued at nearly 900 billion Indian rupees in 2023. In July 2023, India imposed restrictions on rice exports as a result of rising domestic prices, impacting the global rice market.