Delhi, September 30, 2023 – India, one of the world's largest producers and consumers of rice, is poised for a significant boost in rice production for the 2023-24 season. Recent reports indicate record-breaking achievements in rice cultivation in key states, including Telangana and Punjab, contributing to the positive outlook for the upcoming year.
Telangana's Remarkable Feat
In what can only be described as a historic achievement, Telangana has broken records by cultivating an astounding 6.5 million acres of paddy during the rainy season. This accomplishment is a testament to the state's commitment to agriculture and its ability to harness the monsoon season effectively.
The Telangana government's unwavering support for agriculture, including irrigation facilities and subsidies, has encouraged farmers to dedicate a substantial portion of their land to paddy cultivation. This achievement not only bolsters the state's economy but also contributes significantly to India's overall rice production.
Punjab's Unprecedented Acreage Dedication
Punjab, renowned for its high-quality basmati rice, has set a new benchmark by dedicating a record-breaking 31.93 lakh hectares (approximately 79.01 lakh acres) to rice cultivation, surpassing all previous records. This includes an impressive 5.87 lakh hectares allocated for basmati rice, the highest ever recorded in the state's history.
The Punjab Agriculture Department's latest report indicates that the state's farmers are embracing water-intensive rice crops on an unprecedented scale. This achievement not only showcases the state's agricultural prowess but also contributes significantly to India's rice production, especially in the premium basmati rice category.
Global Rice Production Trends
The global rice production landscape is also poised for growth in the 2023-24 season. Projections estimate worldwide rice production to reach 521.5 million tonnes, contributing to a total supply increase from 689.4 million tonnes to 699.4 million tonnes. This growth is primarily driven by larger rice crops in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan.
Export figures are expected to rise from 520 million tonnes to 535 million tonnes, while consumption is anticipated to increase from 5,165 million tonnes to 5,198 million tonnes in 2023-24. This heightened demand is attributed to increased consumption in countries such as India, China, and various Sub-Saharan nations.
India's Rice Production Scenario In the preceding 2022-23 season, India experienced a decrease in vanakalam (kharif) acreage by 4.76%, totaling 402.88 lakh hectares (995.54 lakh acres) compared to the previous year's 423.04 lakh hectares (1045.35 lakh acres). However, several major rice-cultivating states showed higher acreage during this period, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Telangana, Assam, Maharashtra, and Haryana. According to the 2nd Advance Estimates of Production of Food Grains for 2022-23, India's rice production estimate stood at 130.87 million tonnes. For the upcoming 2023-24 season, India's rice production is estimated at 1308.7 lakh tonnes. This substantial increase in production is expected to contribute to a rise in total supply from 1,656.9 lakh tonnes to 1,729.8 lakh tonnes.
However, it is worth noting that rice exports are predicted to decrease from 173.8 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 125 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, while domestic consumption is projected to rise from 1,062 lakh tonnes to 1,090 lakh tonnes during the same period. The central pool's carryout stocks for the 2022-23 season stood at 514.8 lakh tonnes, indicating a significant increase of 22.25% compared to the previous year's 421.1 lakh tonnes.
With Telangana and Punjab leading the way in record-breaking rice cultivation, India is well-positioned to contribute substantially to the global rice production landscape in the upcoming year. This growth not only supports the country's food security but also enhances its role as a major player in the international rice market.
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