Rice (Oryza sativa) is a key cereal grain, with humans consuming ninety-five per cent of the harvest. About half of the global population, mainly in East and Southeast Asia, relies on rice as a staple food. In India, where agriculture is crucial, rice stands out as a significant crop, especially in one prominent state. India cultivates various types of rice, including Basmati and Bamboo rice, etc. The important rice producing states in India are:

• West Bengal is India's top rice-producing state, producing 13.7%  of the total rice produced in India.

• Uttar Pradesh accounts for 12.51% of India's overall rice production.

• Punjab contributes 11.8% to the total rice production in India.

India is the leading global producer and exporter of rice, accounting for nearly 40% of the worldwide rice trade in 2022. The increasing international demand for Indian rice is vital for enhancing the country's export revenue. This article focuses on the leading rice-producing states in India and candidates can download this PDF from the link below. For any queries, kindly visit the FAQs listed below.

Download Rice Producing States in India 2025 PDF

List of Rice Producing States in India

The list below features the top 10 states in India that produce the highest amount of rice as of 2025.

Largest Rice Producing State in India

This topic deals with the details of the top 3 largest rice producing states in India. They are:

1. West Bengal

2. Uttar Pradesh

3. Punjab

1. West Bengal

West Bengal, is the highest rice producing state in India, contributing 14% to the country’s overall output of rice. Common types cultivated by farmers in this region are Swarna, IR36, and Sona Masuri, which have a strong demand both in the local market and internationally. Key districts in West Bengal known for rice cultivation are Birbhum, Burdwan, Hooghly, and Nadia. The rice output in the state is bolstered by comprehensive irrigation infrastructure, which consists of canals, rivers, and tube wells.

2. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, recognized as the second largest rice-producing state in India, boasts fertile Gangetic plains that play a crucial role in the nation’s rice output. The state is famous for cultivating high-yield rice varieties like Pusa Basmati, Sugandha, and Mahsuri. It contributes 12.51% to India's total rice production. This impressive yield not only caters to domestic needs but also strengthens India’s position in the international rice market.

3. Punjab

Punjab stands out as a top contributor to rice production in India, ranking as the third-highest rice producing state. They contribute 11.8% to the total rice production in India. Notably recognized for its premium basmati varieties like Pusa Basmati 1509 and 1121, Punjab significantly impacts the rice industry. The state's reputed basmati rice is exported globally. Key rice-growing districts in Punjab include Fatehgarh, Sangrur, and Ludhiana.

List of Rice Growing Regions in India

Rice cultivation thrives in diverse agro-climatic zones, with five main regions standing out:

1. Southern Region

2. Western Region

3. Northern Region

4. Eastern Region

5. North-Eastern Region

1. Southern Region

In the southern part of the country, rice cultivation is primarily concentrated in the delta regions of the Krishna, Godavari, and Cauvery rivers. The key rice-producing states in South India are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

2. Western Region

Farmers primarily cultivate rice in rainfed environments from June to August and again from October to December. The main regions for rice production are the western states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

3. Northern Region

This region is characterized by extensive rice cultivation using modern farming methods. States like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, parts of Western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are known for their rice production.

4. Eastern Region

Rich in water resources and fertile soil, the eastern states are heavily involved in rice farming. This includes West Bengal, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar.

5. North-Eastern Region

These regions collectively play a significant role in India's food security through diverse rice production, with West Bengal being the leading rice producer in the country. The varied geography and climate across states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab contribute to India’s prominence in rice cultivation, supported by substantial rainfall during the growing season.

Rice Producing State in India Map

The map below indicates the major rice producing states in India 2025.

FAQs

Q: What are the Top 3 rice producing states in India?

The top 3 major rice producing states in India are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.

Q: Which is the largest rice producing state in India?

West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India.

Q: Which state produces basmati rice in India?

Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Western UP, Delhi, and Bihar are the basmati rice producing states in India.

Q: Which state is called as the "Rice Bowl of India"?

Andhra Pradesh is widely recognized as the "Rice Bowl of India."