International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Vivek Gupta, Chandra Shekhar Prajapati, Rudrajay Mishra, Deepak Kumar Maurya, Ramchandra Yadav, Shiv Prakash Yadav and Sandeep Chauhan

abstract
Rice, a staple food for over 60% of India's population, has undergone transformative changes in production since independence. Prior to 1947, rice cultivation was largely traditional, with limited irrigation and low productivity. In 1950–51, India produced approximately 20.58 million tonnes of rice with an average yield of 668 kg/ha across 30.81 million hectares. Post-independence, especially following the Green Revolution, rice production surged due to improved irrigation, high-yielding varieties, and mechanization. By 2014–15, output had increased nearly fivefold to 104.86 million tonnes, with yields reaching 2390 kg/ha and cultivated area expanding to 43.86 million hectares. This growth reflects significant policy interventions, technological adoption, and institutional support. The study highlights the evolution of rice production as a marker of agricultural modernization and food security in India.