India Overtakes China as World's Largest Rice Producer

• India's rice production reached 150.18 million tonnes, surpassing China's 145.28 million tonnes, making it the world's largest producer.
• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced this milestone while releasing 184 new crop varieties developed by ICAR.
• India has transformed from a food-deficient nation to a global food provider, now supplying rice to overseas markets and ensuring food security.
• The 184 new varieties include 122 cereals, 6 pulses, 13 oilseeds, and 24 cotton varieties, among others.
• Under the Narendra Modi-led government, 3,236 high-yielding crop varieties have been approved since 1969.

Why It Matters: India leads global rice production, showcasing agricultural transformation and food security.