Rice is the lifeblood of Indian agriculture, feeding more than half the country’s population daily. India’s rice production plays a vital role in both domestic consumption and exports, making the country the second-largest rice producer globally, after China. With diverse climatic conditions, India has multiple states that cultivate abundant rice. In 2025, the top rice-producing states continue contributing massively to the country’s food basket and export economy.
1. West Bengal
The state remains India’s largest rice-producing state in 2025, contributing over 13% of the country’s total rice production. The state benefits from a favourable climate and fertile alluvial plains, particularly in the Gangetic delta, which provides optimal conditions for rice cultivation. The consistent availability of water from rivers such as the Ganges and Hugli and the state’s wet and humid climate make it an ideal environment for growing both traditional and high-yielding hybrid rice varieties. The key rice-producing districts in West Bengal include Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Hooghly, where traditional aromatic rice varieties like Gobindobhog thrive. The state measures on agricultural reforms, improved irrigation systems, and farmer-friendly policies have helped increase rice productivity, ensuring it stays ahead in rice production.
2. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state is also a major agricultural state, contributing significantly to the nation’s rice output. The vast, fertile Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh provide ideal conditions for growing rice, and the state produces a variety of rice strains, including hybrid types aimed at high yields. The state’s key rice-producing areas include Gorakhpur, Bahraich, and Varanasi. With substantial water resources from the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, the state has a well-established irrigation system. Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural growth is further propelled by government schemes that encourage efficient water use, the adoption of modern farming techniques, and the use of high-quality seeds. As of 2025, Uttar Pradesh continues to produce over 13 million metric tons of rice annually, securing its place as the second-highest rice producer in India.
3. Punjab
Punjab often referred to as the Granary of India, has been at the forefront of India’s agricultural revolution, particularly since the Green Revolution of the 1960s. While primarily known for its wheat production, Punjab has also emerged as one of the largest rice producers in the country, contributing around 11% to the national rice production. The state relies on an extensive canal system fed by the rivers of the Indus basin, such as the Sutlej and Beas, to irrigate its rice fields. Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Ferozepur are some of the key rice-producing districts.
4. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is one of the leading rice-producing states in southern India. The state’s tropical climate, combined with its extensive network of irrigation canals, provides an excellent environment for rice cultivation. Andhra Pradesh benefits from the fertile deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, where a significant portion of the state’s rice is grown. The key districts for rice production include East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, and Guntur. The state has also embraced hybrid rice varieties and modern farming practices, which have boosted productivity. In addition to meeting domestic demand, Andhra Pradesh is also a key player in India’s rice exports, contributing to its economic growth.
5. Telangana
Telangana is also one of the highest rice-producing states in India. It contributes 7.5 million tons of rice every year to India’s total output. The state has a semi-arid tropical climate with hot summers and a monsoon season, making it an ideal weather condition to grow rice in the state. The government of the state is also taking steps to improve rice cultivation by taking measures to improve irrigation facilities in the state. With recent improvements and a focus on the agricultural sector in the state, it is set to produce high-quality rice in larger quantities to meet the demands of the country.
Conclusion
India’s rice production is central to the nation’s food security and economy, and the states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana lead in rice cultivation in India. Each state has its unique agricultural strengths, from fertile plains and abundant water resources to supportive government initiatives. As India continues to face challenges such as climate change, and water scarcity, these top rice-producing states will play a critical role in ensuring the country’s food supply.