Kharif Crop Area Increases By 6.51 Lakh Hectares In 2025–26

New Delhi, Oct 13 (KNN) Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the overall status of the agriculture sector.

The discussions focused on Kharif crop conditions, Rabi sowing preparedness, flood-affected areas, price trends, fertiliser availability, and reservoir storage levels. 

Officials reported that the total area under Kharif crops has increased by 6.51 lakh hectares compared to last year, reaching 1,121.46 lakh hectares against 1,114.95 lakh hectares in 2024–25. 

Sowing of major crops including wheat, paddy, maize, sugarcane, and pulses has risen over the previous year. Notably, urad (black gram) cultivation has increased from 22.87 lakh hectares in 2024–25 to 24.37 lakh hectares in 2025–26.

The meeting also assessed the impact of floods on crop production. While excessive rainfall affected certain regions, other areas benefitted from a good monsoon, supporting healthy crop growth and expected boosts in Rabi sowing and overall output.

Vegetable cultivation has shown positive trends. The area under onion cultivation rose from 3.62 lakh hectares to 3.91 lakh hectares, potato from 0.35 lakh hectares to 0.43 lakh hectares, and tomato from 1.86 lakh hectares to 2.37 lakh hectares, reflecting progress in line with targets.

Officials highlighted that rice and wheat stock levels currently exceed the prescribed buffer norms, indicating a stable supply situation.

On water resources, Chouhan was informed that reservoir storage levels across the country are significantly higher than last year and the ten-year average, with 161 major reservoirs holding 103.51 percent of last year’s storage and 115 percent of the decade’s average, providing a favorable outlook for agricultural productivity.

Regarding fertiliser supply, the Union Minister directed officials to maintain smooth and timely availability, with continuous coordination between the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers and state authorities to prevent any disruptions during the upcoming agricultural season.

(KNN Bureau)