Insect pests are one of the most important biotic stresses having a significant impact on rice production in India. The tropical warm and humid climate prevalent in the country particularly in the rice ecosystem is highly favourable for their multiplication. Analysis of historical data from Production Oriented Survey (POS) revealed significant changes in the incidence, intensity and distribution of different insect pests in various rice growing regions of the Country. The abundance and severity of many insect pests have increased over the decades and spread to newer areas. Many insect pests hitherto considered as minor have attained major pest status after they were reported to cause severe yield losses.