Why rice prices are rising across India

Rice prices have been climbing across the country, prompting the central government to issue an advisory to states recommending farmers transition to short-duration and less water-intensive crops such as pulses and millets.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan underscored the urgency of the shift in June, stating that "Changing crop strategy in rain-fed areas has become the need of the hour." The push reflects concerns over both commodity inflation and water resource management in agricultural regions.