How Much Has India's Kharif Crop Sowing Increased This Year?
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Synopsis
The latest data reveals a substantial increase in India's kharif crop sowing, with maize cultivation surging by 12%. This boost is expected to positively impact farmer incomes and control food inflation. Is this the turning point for Indian agriculture?
Key Takeaways
- 1,121.46 lakh hectares sown under kharif crops this year.
- Maize cultivation increased by 12%.
- Rise in pulses area to 120.4 lakh hectares.
- Increased Minimum Support Prices for 14 kharif crops.
- Favorable weather conditions aided sowing.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) The overall area cultivated with kharif crops this season has risen by 6.51 lakh hectares, totaling 1,121.46 lakh hectares as of October 3 this year. This is a notable increase compared to 1,114.95 lakh hectares during the same timeframe last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The area dedicated to coarse cereals or millets such as maize, jowar, bajra, and ragi has surged by 11.13 lakh hectares, reaching 194.67 lakh hectares this season, compared to 183.54 lakh hectares last year. This increase is attributed to a significant rise in maize cultivation, which has jumped 12 percent to 94.95 lakh hectares from 84.30 lakh hectares the previous year.
The area under pulses has risen to 120.4 lakh hectares, up from 119.04 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Notably, there is a 6.5 percent increase in the area sown for urad, now at 24.37 lakh hectares, compared to 22.87 lakh hectares last year.
This growth in sown area is anticipated to enhance production, which could significantly boost farmers' incomes and help manage food inflation.
Official statistics indicate that the area under rice has reached 441.58 lakh hectares this year, marking an increase of 5.91 lakh hectares from 435.68 lakh hectares during the previous year.
The cultivation area for sugarcane has also seen an uptick, now at 59.07 lakh hectares, which is 1.86 lakh hectares higher than 57.22 lakh hectares last year.
The rise in sown area this season can be attributed to favorable monsoon rains that have benefited the unirrigated regions of the country, which comprise approximately 50 percent of India’s farmland.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for the marketing season of 2025-26 on May 28 this year, aimed at ensuring fair prices for farmers and encouraging production.
The most significant increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for nigerseed (Rs. 820 per quintal), followed by ragi (Rs. 596 per quintal), cotton (Rs. 589 per quintal), and sesamum (Rs. 579 per quintal).
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of the recent rise in kharif crop sowing in India. With favorable weather conditions and supportive government policies, this increase not only promises enhanced agricultural productivity but also aims to uplift farmers' livelihoods. This development is a positive stride towards food security and economic stability in our nation.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total area sown under kharif crops this year?
As of October 3, the total area sown under kharif crops is 1,121.46 lakh hectares.
How much has the area under maize increased?
The area under maize cultivation has increased by 12% to 94.95 lakh hectares this year.
What is the significance of the rise in kharif crops?
The rise in kharif crops is expected to boost production, increase farmer incomes, and help control food inflation.
What changes were made to the Minimum Support Prices?
An increase in Minimum Support Prices for 14 kharif crops was approved to ensure fair prices for farmers.
How have monsoon rains affected crop sowing?
Better monsoon rains have facilitated sowing in unirrigated areas, which constitute about 50% of the country’s farmland.
