India’s Rice Procurement Rises 13% in First Two Months as Southern States Lead Growth

India rice procurement rises 12.7% infographic showing national growth trend 2025–26.

India’s rice procurement for the 2025–26 season has shown strong momentum. The Centre purchased 194.14 lakh tonnes (lt) of rice in October–November, recording a 12.7% increase from the 172.24 lt bought during the same period last year. Southern states played a major role in lifting early numbers, even as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh recorded declines.

Early Procurement Boost

This year, paddy arrived earlier in many mandis. As a result, the Centre allowed procurement agencies in Punjab and Haryana to begin purchases from mid-September. Tamil Nadu received approval even earlier, starting September 1.
These decisions helped the Food Corporation of India (FCI) build stocks quickly ahead of the peak arrival season.

Statewise rice procurement data for 2024–25 and 2025–26 showing year-on-year changes in lakh tonnes.

Punjab Slips, Haryana Rises

Punjab, the top contributor to India’s Central Pool, procured 104.80 lt, a 4% drop from last year’s 109.17 lt.
Haryana, however, recorded a sharp rise. Its procurement increased 30.4% to 35.96 lt, up from 27.58 lt last year.
Officials expect some data adjustments later in the season.

Southern States Drive Growth

Southern states helped offset lower procurement in the north.

Tamil Nadu: up 188% to 9.86 lt
Telangana: up 52.2% to 17.05 lt
Andhra Pradesh: up 111% to 5.11 lt

These states saw stronger arrivals and smoother procurement operations, especially in major rice-producing belts.

Mixed Trends in Other States

Uttar Pradesh: down 18.8% to 6.05 lt
Chhattisgarh: down 2.1% to 6.63 lt
West Bengal: procured 2.93 lt, unlike previous years when procurement usually started late
Uttarakhand: up 54.2% to 4.78 lt

In Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, procurement was scheduled to start on November 1. However, no grains have been bought yet. Madhya Pradesh has requested permission to procure directly through state agencies.

Target for 2025–26 and Production Outlook

The Centre aims to procure 463.49 lt of rice from the 2025–26 Kharif crop.
This includes:

Punjab: 116 lt
Haryana: 36 lt

Last year’s total procurement stood at 545.22 lt.

Meanwhile, the agriculture ministry estimates Kharif rice production at 124.50 million tonnes, up 1.4% from last year. Strong production trends may influence future procurement pace and could also impact rice prices in India during the peak market period.