Top Rice News: India Record Harvest, El Niño Threat & Free Rice Distribution

Top rice news today highlights India’s record harvest to become the world’s largest rice producer & rice production climbed to a record 154.02 million tonnes in the 2025-26. While anticipating the impact of El Niño, the Indonesian government is escalating a 750-hectare rice planting program in Lamongan, East Java, to boost national rice production. The Announcement of temporary suspension of the distribution of subsidised pulses, sugar and salt under the public distribution system (PDS) for two months, citing the continuation of the vote-on-account budget. Moreover, continuing free rice distribution across the state.

India strengthens its position as the world’s largest rice producer with a record harvest

According to a statement by India’s Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. In a latest significant development for Indian agriculture, the country has surpassed China to become the world’s largest rice producer with a record harvest. As per the preliminary estimates from the ministry, rice production climbed to a record 154.02 million tonnes in the 2025-26 agricultural year, an increase from 150.18 million tonnes in the previous period. Interestingly, the minister dedicated this achievement to the relentless efforts of farmers, the effectiveness of government support programmes and the introduction of improved high-yield seed varieties. The landmark milestone in rice production is part of a broader agricultural advanced output. Apparently, the aggregate food grain production for 2025-26 was estimated at 376.6 million tonnes, which is some 18.8 million tonnes more than in the previous year. Other major crops have also shown record performance. Wheat production climbed to a record 120.7 million tonnes, whereas maize output climbed to 55.1 million tonnes, both marking an unprecedented result in Indian agricultural history. Significantly, the oilseed sector also recorded remarkable figures with total production reaching 43.1 million tonnes in total, along with peanuts production standing out at 13.1 million tonnes, whereas rapeseed at 13.8 million tonnes.

Indonesia’s Strategy of Rice Planting to Safeguard Food Security Ahead of El Niño

The Indonesian government is escalating a 750-hectare rice planting program in Lamongan, East Java, to boost national rice production. On the other hand, it is anticipating the impact of El Niño. On Monday, Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono said: "This program is an effort to boost national rice production and maintain the momentum of increasing planted areas in one of Indonesia's main food-producing regions."

The Minister reviewed the planting program in Kebalankulon Village. The delegation also observed the planting of Inpari 32 rice on a 12-hectare plot that forms part of the district's 750-hectare planting target before joining the planting activity. He added that higher food production can only be achieved by expanding planting areas and that the government continues to ensure farmers have access to irrigation water, seeds, fertilisers, and agricultural machinery. Furthermore, Sudaryono stated that national food reserves remain sufficient to fulfil public needs. As per current projections, El Niño is expected to have its strongest impact between July and September, along with conditions peaking in August. However, the government has prepared mitigation measures to keep agricultural production stable. Moreover, the ministry continues to boost water infrastructure through irrigation rehabilitation, construction and repair of water facilities, groundwater drilling, and pumping programs in major food-producing areas. Since 2024, the ministry has distributed around 100,000 water pumps in Indonesia as part of efforts to maintain agricultural productivity amid drought and climate-related challenges.

Assam Suspends Subsidised Dal, Sugar and Salt Scheme; Free Rice Distribution Continues

The Assam government has temporarily dismissed its subsidised distribution scheme for masur dal, sugar and salt from June due to budgetary constraints under the state's Vote-on-Account arrangement. Notably, the decision affects the regular monthly supply provided at subsidised rates to eligible households enrolled under the welfare programme. According to officials, the scheme is expected to resume after the full state budget is approved, likely in August. During this interim period, the government has clarified that free rice distribution under its food security programme will continue uninterrupted, ensuring that essential nutritional support remains available to vulnerable beneficiaries. The move will serve as a temporary fix, not a permanent withdrawal of benefits under the scheme. In addition, authorities have indicated that they will review allocations once the budget process is completed to restore full supplies and stabilize distribution across the state. They added that efforts are being made to minimise inconvenience for ration card holders and maintain transparency in procurement and distribution systems during the suspension period.