Has the total area sown during the current kharif season in India surpassed 1,105.4 lakh hectares?
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Synopsis
As the kharif season progresses, the area sown in India has surged past 1,105.4 lakh hectares, showing remarkable growth compared to last year. This increase is expected to boost agricultural production, benefiting farmers and the economy. Discover the implications of this growth and what it means for food production and inflation.
Key Takeaways
- Total area sown has reached 1,105.42 lakh hectares.
- Significant increases across major crops like rice and pulses.
- Improved monsoon rains have aided sowing conditions.
- MSP increases aim to support farmers and production.
- Potential positive impact on food inflation.
New Delhi, Sep 8 (NationPress) The total area cultivated for kharif crops this season has seen an increase of 26.93 lakh hectares, reaching 1,105.42 lakh hectares as of September 5. This compares favorably to last year's figure of 1,078.49 lakh hectares during the same timeframe, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare's data released on Monday.
This expansion in cultivated area is anticipated to result in higher production, which could subsequently enhance farmer incomes and aid in controlling food inflation.
The report indicates that the area designated for rice stands at 438.28 lakh hectares, reflecting an increase of 19.63 lakh hectares from 418.66 lakh hectares recorded in the same period last year.
The acreage for pulses, including urad and moong, has risen to 116.40 lakh hectares, up from 114.46 lakh hectares during the same timeframe last year.
Furthermore, the area allocated for coarse cereals or millets such as jowar, bajra, and ragi has surged by 12.09 lakh hectares, totaling 191.71 lakh hectares this season compared to last year.
The increase in sown area can be attributed to improved monsoon rains, which have facilitated sowing in the country's unirrigated regions, accounting for nearly 50 percent of total farmland.
The acreage for sugarcane has also grown to 57.31 lakh hectares, showing an increase of 1.64 lakh hectares compared to last year’s figures.
On May 28, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a rise in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for the marketing season 2025-26, aimed at ensuring profitable prices for growers and encouraging production.
The largest absolute increase in MSP from the previous year was 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
The recent surge in kharif crop sowing reflects the resilience of Indian agriculture amidst climatic challenges. This development not only promises improved farmer incomes but also plays a crucial role in stabilizing food prices. It underscores the importance of robust agricultural policies and effective resource management.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total area sown for kharif crops this season?
The total area sown for kharif crops this season has reached 1,105.42 lakh hectares, an increase of 26.93 lakh hectares from last year.
How has the area sown under rice changed?
The area under rice has increased to 438.28 lakh hectares, up by 19.63 lakh hectares compared to the same period last year.
What factors contributed to the increase in sown area?
The increase is attributed to better monsoon rains, which have enhanced sowing conditions in unirrigated areas, accounting for nearly 50% of the farmland.
What are Minimum Support Prices (MSP)?
Minimum Support Prices are prices set by the government to purchase directly from the farmer, ensuring they receive a remunerative price for their crops.
Which crop saw the highest increase in MSP?
Nigerseed saw the highest absolute increase in MSP, with a rise of Rs 820 per quintal.
