Kharif crop sowing up by 2 percent, significant increase in paddy, pulses and oilseeds
This year, Kharif crop sowing has risen by 2 percent, with the total area reaching 1031.56 lakh hectares, up from 1010.52 lakh hectares last year. Notable increases have been observed in the sowing of paddy, pulses, coarse grains, and oilseeds. However, there has been a decrease in the sowing of cotton and jute
As of August 20, 2024, the sowing of Kharif crops has increased by 2 percent compared to last year, with the total area reaching 1031.56 lakh hectares, up from 1010.52 lakh hectares in 2023. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare reported significant gains in several crops.
Paddy sowing has risen to 369.05 lakh hectares this year, compared to 349.49 lakh hectares in 2023. Pulses have also seen an increase, with the area growing to 120.18 lakh hectares from last year’s 113.69 lakh hectares. Among pulses, tur has been sown in 45.78 lakh hectares, moong in 33.24 lakh hectares, and urad in 28.33 lakh hectares.
Coarse grains have expanded to 181.11 lakh hectares from 176.39 lakh hectares in 2023. Maize leads with 87.23 lakh hectares, followed by bajra at 66.91 lakh hectares, jowar at 14.62 lakh hectares, and ragi at 7.56 lakh hectares.
Oilseeds sowing has also increased, reaching 186.77 lakh hectares this year compared to 185.13 lakh hectares last year. Groundnut has been sown in 46.36 lakh hectares, soybean in 125.11 lakh hectares, sunflower in 0.70 lakh hectares, and sesame in 10.55 lakh hectares.
Sugarcane cultivation has seen a marginal rise to 57.68 lakh hectares, while cotton sowing has decreased from 122.15 lakh hectares in 2023 to 111.07 lakh hectares in 2024. The area under jute and mesta has also declined to 5.70 lakh hectares.
