Has the total area sown under kharif crops surpassed 708 lakh hectares?
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Synopsis
The recent report reveals that the kharif crop sowing area has drastically increased to 708.31 lakh hectares, a notable rise from the previous year. This growth is expected to enhance production and stabilize food prices, providing significant support to farmers' livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
- Kharif crop area has reached 708.31 lakh hectares.
- Significant rise from 580.38 lakh hectares last year.
- Increased production is expected to benefit farmers' incomes.
- Improved monsoon rains played a crucial role.
- Government's MSP increase aims to support farmers.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) The area cultivated with kharif crops this season has now reached 708.31 lakh hectares, a significant rise from 580.38 lakh hectares during the same timeframe last year, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Monday.
This expansion in sown area is promising for enhanced production, which is likely to boost farmers' incomes and help keep food inflation at bay.
According to official statistics, the area devoted to rice stands at 176.68 lakh hectares as of July 18 this year, compared to 157.21 lakh hectares in the corresponding period last year.
The area allocated for pulses, including Urd and Moog, has been recorded at 81.98 lakh hectares, an increase from 80.13 lakh hectares during the same time last year. This growth is beneficial as enhanced pulse production is crucial for managing inflation.
The land under coarse cereals or millets, such as jowar, bajra, and ragi, has surged to 133.65 lakh hectares this season, up from 117.66 lakh hectares last year.
The increase in sown area is attributed to favorable monsoon rains that have aided sowing in unirrigated regions, which constitute nearly 50% of the nation’s farmland.
Moreover, the area under sugarcane has risen to 55.16 lakh hectares, up from 54.88 lakh hectares in the same period last year.
On May 28, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sanctioned an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for the marketing season 2025-26, aimed at ensuring fair prices for farmers and stimulating production.
The most considerable absolute increase in MSP over last year has been set 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
The significant increase in the kharif crop sown area represents a promising development for agricultural growth in India. This trend not only reflects the positive impact of favorable weather conditions but also highlights the government's commitment to supporting farmers through enhanced Minimum Support Prices. As these changes unfold, they will likely play a crucial role in ensuring food security and stabilizing prices for consumers.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current area sown under kharif crops?
The area sown under kharif crops has reached 708.31 lakh hectares this season.
How does this year’s kharif crop area compare to last year?
This year’s kharif crop area shows an increase from 580.38 lakh hectares last year.
What factors contributed to the increase in sown area?
Better monsoon rains have facilitated sowing in unirrigated regions, which make up nearly 50% of the farmland.
What is the significance of the increase in Minimum Support Prices?
The increase in MSP aims to ensure fair compensation for farmers, thereby encouraging higher production.
Which crops have seen the most significant increases in sown area?
Key crops such as rice, pulses, and coarse cereals have all shown substantial increases in sown area.
