This year’s favorable monsoon has led to a significant increase in the sowing of Kharif crops across India, surpassing the five-year average. According to the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, as of September 23, Kharif crops have been sown in 1104.63 lakh hectares, exceeding the normal area of 1096 lakh hectares. In comparison, by this time last year, Kharif crops were sown in 1,088.26 lakh hectares.
Similarly, the area for coarse grains has grown from the average 181.03 lakh hectares to 192.55 lakh hectares. Oilseed sowing has also increased to 193.84 lakh hectares, surpassing the normal 190.18 lakh hectares. Although the area under pulses remains below the average, it has increased to 128.28 lakh hectares, up from 119.28 lakh hectares last year. However, cotton sowing has decreased by 8.85 percent compared to last year.
Area under pulses increased by 7.7 per cent
The sowing of coarse grains has increased by 3.48 percent compared to last year, with 192.55 lakh hectares sown so far, up from 186.07 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Among coarse grains, jowar has been sown in 16.13 lakh hectares, ragi in 12.46 lakh hectares, maize in 88.06 lakh hectares, and millet in 69.91 lakh hectares. While millet sowing is lower than last year, the area under maize has surpassed its five-year average.
Slight increase in sowing of oilseeds
The overall increase in sowing reflects the positive impact of this year’s monsoon on agricultural activity, though some crops still face challenges in achieving last year’s levels.