Rice (Paddy) in Tamil Nadu: Area, Production & Yield
In 2024-25, Tamil Nadu produced 64,56,402 tonnes of Rice (Paddy) from 19,53,655 ha (average yield 3,305 kg/ha) - #10 among states and 4% of India's output on district-level estimates. Output has changed -2% since 2019-20.
| Year | Area (ha) | Production (tonnes) | Yield (kg/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 17,26,507 | 66,05,882 | 3,826 |
| 2020-21 | 18,41,380 | 63,31,954 | 3,439 |
| 2021-22 | 20,11,474 | 71,53,302 | 3,556 |
| 2022-23 | 19,40,789 | 68,19,074 | 3,514 |
| 2023-24 | 18,53,843 | 61,12,978 | 3,297 |
| 2024-25 | 19,53,655 | 64,56,402 | 3,305 |
Top Rice (Paddy)-Producing Districts in Tamil Nadu (2024-25)
- Thanjavur: 7,32,783 tonnes (11%), yield 3,108 kg/ha
- Tiruvannamalai: 6,56,375 tonnes (10%), yield 3,618 kg/ha
- Cuddalore: 4,52,027 tonnes (7%), yield 2,841 kg/ha
- Mayiladuthurai: 4,00,964 tonnes (6%), yield 3,121 kg/ha
- Tiruvallur: 3,81,630 tonnes (6%), yield 3,533 kg/ha
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India (final estimates), via UPAg. State figures are the sum of district estimates.
Rice (Paddy) Cultivation in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is among the states that grow Rice (Paddy). Rice (Paddy) (धान / चावल) here is a cereal crop with a Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Oct-Nov) season (Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Oct-Nov)). The prices above reflect wholesale rates at Tamil Nadu's regulated APMC mandis; the actual rate you get depends on grade, moisture and the day's arrivals.
Rice (Paddy) MSP & Procurement in Tamil Nadu
The Minimum Support Price for Rice (Paddy) is ₹2,441/quintal (Kharif 2026-27). Government agencies procure Rice (Paddy) at MSP in Tamil Nadu during the marketing season, so you should never sell below ₹2,441. Today's market modal price of ₹2,002 is below MSP - prefer a government procurement centre.
Where to Sell Rice (Paddy) in Tamil Nadu
Sell at your nearest APMC mandi - major ones include Koyambedu CMDA Market, Coimbatore APMC, Erode Turmeric Market, Madurai Mandi, Salem Mandi. Compare rates across 2-3 mandis the same day, grade and clean your produce for 15-20% higher bids, and register on eNAM to reach buyers beyond Tamil Nadu. Use a Kisan Credit Card for storage finance to sell in the lean season.
Government Support for Tamil Nadu Rice (Paddy) Farmers
Tamil Nadu Rice (Paddy) growers can use PM Kisan income support, crop insurance, and irrigation subsidies (drip, solar pump). See everything on the Subsidy Finder.