Archive · 17 Sep 2025
Punjab Rice Production Faces Flood and Procurement Challenges
Floods in Punjab damaged a portion of the rice crop, potentially leading to a slight decrease in overall production.
Non-basmati rice areas were more affected.
The government is aiming to buy less rice this year because they have a lot in storage already.
Farmers prefer growing rice because it is the most profitable crop, thanks to the government's guaranteed purchase at a set price.
The government is encouraging farmers to grow different crops to help save water and manage the surplus rice.
Floods damaged paddy crops in Punjab, potentially reducing production.
Non-basmati rice areas were more affected than basmati.
Punjab contributed the most rice to the Centre's procurement in 2024.
Farmers favor paddy due to its profitability from government support prices.
The Centre seeks to reduce rice procurement due to surplus grain.
- Who
- Punjab state officials, farmers, and the Centre.
- What
- Potential drop in Punjab rice production due to floods and government procurement changes.
- When
- September 17, 2025.
- Where
- Punjab, India.
- Why
- Floods damaged paddy crops. The Centre aims to adjust rice procurement due to surplus stocks.
Government's Perspective
Farmers' Perspective
Crop Diversification
Government's Perspective
The Centre wants farmers to diversify crops to conserve groundwater and address surplus rice stocks.
Farmers' Perspective
Farmers prefer rice because it is the most profitable crop under current policies, including minimum support price.
- Punjab Rice Production (Last Year)
- 14.36 million tonnes
- Punjab Paddy Area (Sept 5, 2025)
- 32.49 lakh hectares
- FCI Rice Stock (Sept 1, 2025)
- 36.91 million tonnes
- Paddy in Stock (Sept 1, 2025 - equivalent)
- 11.32 million tonnes
- Total Rice Stock (Sept 1, 2025)
- 48.23 million tonnes
- Kharif 2024 Rice Procurement (Punjab)
- 11.61 million tonnes
- Punjab Diversification Payment
- Rs 17,000 per hectare
Sources
PUSA 1509 costs farmers between Rs 2,500 & Rs3,200 per quintal: Early basmati starts arriving in mandis, stagnant prices, lower yields a concern
Cotton output likely to be higher despite drop in area, excess rain
India's rice stocks hit record, wheat at four-year high