- Telangana and Karnataka recorded the largest declines in rice acreage.
- Uneven monsoon rainfall affected paddy cultivation across several major producing states.
India’s rice acreage declined by 15.56 lakh hectares, or 3.5% year-on-year, to 433.62 lakh hectares during kharif 2026. Rice was sown across 449.18 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year. The decline was the sharpest among major kharif crops and comes amid uneven and below-normal rainfall in several parts of the country during the southwest monsoon season.
Telangana and Karnataka lead decline
Rice acreage declined across several major producing states, with Telangana recording the highest fall of 4.26 lakh hectares, followed by Karnataka at 4.23 lakh hectares. Uttar Pradesh reported a decline of 1.84 lakh hectares, while Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh saw reductions of 1.75 lakh hectares and 1.70 lakh hectares, respectively. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Jharkhand recorded declines of 1.41 lakh hectares, 1.15 lakh hectares and 1 lakh hectares, respectively
Odisha, Assam and Bihar record higher acreage
The decline in national rice acreage was partly offset by higher planting in some states. Odisha recorded the high increase of 0.66 lakh hectares, followed by Assam at 0.59 lakh hectares and Bihar at 0.26 lakh hectares. Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab also reported marginal increases in rice acreage.
Rice decline sharper than other major kharif crops
The reduction in rice acreage contrasts with gains in other crops. Pulses acreage rose 2.57 lakh hectares, while jowar and bajra increased by 1.30 lakh hectares and 2.09 lakh hectares, respectively. Oilseed acreage also rose marginally by 1.11 lakh hectares, while maize, cotton and sugarcane acreage declined.
Lower acreage adds uncertainty to rice supply
The decline in rice acreage is significant for India’s rice supply, although the impact on total production will depend on yields and crop conditions during the remainder of the season. With new paddy arrivals expected to increase during October-November, the extent of production and procurement will remain important factors for rice availability and prices. Any further impact from weather conditions could also influence the supply.
Outlook
The 3.5% decline in rice acreage points to a tighter paddy supply outlook if yields are also affected by the uneven monsoon. However, the impact on overall production will depend on crop conditions and yields across major producing states. With new-crop arrivals underway, production estimates, procurement and market arrivals will remain key factors for rice prices in the coming months.
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