This year, rice production is expected to be slightly lower at around 120 to 121 million tonnes as compared to 121.85 million tonnes last year, since Heavy rains and disastrous floods are the significant reasons, as well as urea shortage in Telangana in the month of August. Punjab, which holds a major share in the rice production of the country, has witnessed terrible floods affecting rice crops in the state. Paddy fields in Punjab are still submerged, leading some analysts to believe that rice production could be affected by at least 6 million tonnes this Kharif season.
Moreover, heavy rains in Telangana and urea shortage during August may affect rice production this year. S Malla Reddy, a leader of the All India Kisan Sabha, said that the shortage of urea has come at a crucial stage of crop development, and it may lead to a loss of 10-15 per cent in yield.
What did the experts say about this year’s rice production?
According to experts, analysis of state-wise acreage data and rainfall patterns shows that the situation at the national level is similar to the last Kharif season, and the crop condition is good so far. A senior rice breeder said that the same production can be expected at the national level as last year, but Punjab will definitely produce at least 20 per cent less.
Bumper yield expected in Uttar Pradesh
Surprisingly, Uttar Pradesh, the country’s largest Kharif rice-producing state, has witnessed the highest increase (13.5 per cent) in paddy enclosure. An agricultural scientist, S.K., stated that since the rice-growing districts have received appropriate rainfall so far and most of the area is irrigated, rice production in Uttar Pradesh may exceed 21 million tonnes this year. However, production in the state in Kharif 2024 was 20.24 million tonnes.