Global Rice Production Set to Hit New Record

14-Aug-2025 10:49 AM

New Delhi. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its latest monthly report has projected global rice production to reach new record levels during the 2025-26 marketing season (October-September) and expressed the possibility of a good increase in its global trade as well. The report said that rice imports in Iraq could reach a peak level.

According to the report, global rice production is expected to jump to 541 million tonnes and global consumption is expected to increase to 542 million tonnes.

The estimate of rice consumption in Myanmar and the US has been increased slightly. Nigeria's figures have also changed.

According to USDA, global rice trade may improve slightly to 620.40 lakh tonnes during the 2025-26 season and India will remain its leading exporter with a huge margin.

But there is a possibility of some decline in the global outstanding stock of rice. Under this, the stock will decrease especially in Nigeria, Philippines and Myanmar (Burma).

On the other hand, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a subordinate agency of the United Nations, has said that the global conditions and scenario are favorable for rice production.

Early double crop paddy is being harvested in China, while the sowing process has also started under late double crop.

The estimate of global supply of rice for the 2025-26 marketing season has been increased slightly, but the weather of the next few months can prove to be decisive for the paddy crop. Weather conditions in South Asia and especially India are quite favorable.

The report of the International Grains Council has also estimated some increase in global production of rice during the 2025-26 season.

Under this, production is expected to improve especially in major exporting countries. Similarly, the demand and consumption of rice is expected to increase in Asia and Africa.