India becomes world’s largest rice producer with 1,245.04 lakh tonnes output
New Delhi: India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, overtaking China, highlighting the scale and diversity of its agrarian economy. With a total rice output of 1,245.04 lakh tonnes, output is led by a group of high-performing states supported by favourable agro-climatic conditions with expanding irrigation and procurement systems.
Paddy cultivation in India is concentrated in regions with adequate rainfall, river coverage and extensive canal network.
Uttar Pradesh leads the country with 194.1 lakh tonnes, followed by Punjab at 136.67 lakh tonnes, powered by intensive farming and assured procurement. West Bengal contributes 118.54 lakh tonnes, supported by multiple rice-growing seasons.
Central and southern India also play a key role. Madhya Pradesh produced 97.11 lakh tonnes, while Telangana followed closely with 96.35 lakh tonnes, reflecting rapid expansion in recent years.
Rice remains vital in eastern and central belts too, Chhattisgarh produced 89.17 lakh tonnes, Odisha 84.54 lakh tonnes, Bihar 82.49 lakh tonnes, Andhra Pradesh 52.92 lakh tonnes and Haryana 63.71 lakh tonnes, completing the list of the top rice-producing states.
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Liquor manufactures can sell liquor on tetra packs in Odisha: Minister
Bhubaneswar (PTI): Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday said the government has allowed the sale of liquor on tetra packets with certain criteria in its new Excise Policy for 2026-29.
Speaking to media persons here, Harichandan said selling liquor in tetra packs was there in the state's excise policy since 2014. However, it is not yet made available in the Odisha market, he said.
"If any licensed liquor manufacturer or vendor wants to produce or sell the liquor on tetra pack, they can do it. The government will not restrict them," he clarified.
The state government is giving priority for proper regulation of manufacturing and selling of liquor in the state, the minister added.
"We just ensure that there is no illegal sale of liquor in the state," he stated.
As per the new Excise Policy, which came into force from April 1, India-made foreign liquor (IMFL) manufacturers can supply their products in tetra packaging and in glass bottles in specified sizes. Only 180 ml can be supplied in tetra packs.
The tetra packs must have six protective layers and must have the shelf life or the date fit for consumption clearly mentioned on the packaging, the policy guidelines said.
Before using the tetra packs for packaging of liquor, the manufacturing units must take certification from the Central Food Technology Research Institute or Indian Institute of Packaging, or any such institute as notified by the excise commissioner, it said.
Earlier, opposition leaders had demanded the rollback of the government's decision to introduce the sale of liquor in tetra packs, calling the move "unethical" and "anti-youth".
