India’s rice production has expanded alongside record exports, making it the world’s largest producer and exporter of rice. In 2026, this position remains central to food security, trade and farm policy, while rice cultivation in north-western India continues to strain groundwater resources.
About Rice in India
- Rice is a staple Kharif crop grown mainly in areas with high rainfall or assured irrigation.
- India accounts for nearly 40% of global rice exports and ships over 20 million metric tonnes annually.
- Assured procurement and Minimum Support Price (MSP) have supported rice expansion since the post-independence food security phase.
Geographical Concentration
- Punjab and Haryana are major rice-producing States in the north-western plains.
- These States rely heavily on groundwater irrigation for paddy cultivation.
- Borewell depth in many areas has risen from around 30 feet a decade ago to about 80-200 feet at present.
Groundwater and Crop Pattern Issues
- Large parts of Punjab and Haryana are classified as over-exploited or critical aquifer zones.
- Rice is water-intensive and needs continuous standing water in many growing stages.
- Cheap electricity subsidies reduce the cost of groundwater extraction.
- MSP-based procurement and input subsidies make rice cultivation more attractive than less water-intensive crops.
Policy and Reform Context
- Farm law reforms introduced in 2020 were later withdrawn after widespread protests by farmers.
- The central concern was the possible weakening of assured procurement for rice and wheat.
- Crop diversification efforts face resistance where farm incomes depend on rice procurement.
Recent Diversification Measures
- Haryana has introduced a ₹17,500 per hectare incentive for farmers shifting to millets and other less water-intensive crops.
- Millets need much less water than rice.
- Long-term diversification requires multi-year support, not a one-season incentive.
What to note for Prelims?
- India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of rice.
- Punjab and Haryana are major rice-growing States dependent on groundwater.
- Large parts of these States are classified as over-exploited aquifers.
- MSP, electricity subsidy and groundwater extraction are closely linked in rice cultivation.