Rise in Rice Acreage Expected to Boost Yields

23-Sep-2025 04:43 PM

New Delhi. Indian farmers have shown tremendous enthusiasm for rice cultivation, the most important food grain of the Kharif season.

As a result, the total area under cultivation has rapidly increased to an all-time high of 438.51 lakh hectares as of September 12, 2025, an increase of 8.45 lakh hectares from the 430.06 lakh hectares during the same period last year. This area is significantly higher than the normal (five-year) average area.

In fact, adequate rainfall during the southwest monsoon season and the assured purchase at MSP have increased farmers' enthusiasm and attraction towards rice cultivation. Acreage has increased in most major producing states.

The central government has increased the minimum support price (MSP) for rice by Rs. 69 per quintal for the 2025-26 season compared to the 2024-25 season.

As a result, the support price for general grade rice increased from ₹2,300 per quintal to ₹2,369 per quintal, and the MSP for 'A' grade rice increased from ₹2,320 per quintal to ₹2,389 per quintal. It should be noted that a minimum support price is not set for Basmati rice because its market price remains quite high.

Severe floods in some areas have caused minor damage to the rice crop, but the crop situation in the rest of the country is reported to be quite good. Consequently, rice and rice production is expected to increase.

This could increase the government's difficulties, as there is already a large stock of rice in the central pool. The government has reduced its rice procurement target. From next month, rice arrivals and government procurement will begin in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.