ENA Sectors 2025-10-13 17:38:01 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Oct 13 (KNN)</strong> Union Minister for Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the overall status of the agriculture sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The discussions focused on Kharif crop conditions, Rabi sowing preparedness, flood-affected areas, price trends, fertiliser availability, and reservoir storage levels. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Officials highlighted that rice and wheat stock levels currently exceed the prescribed buffer norms, indicating a stable supply situation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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 years storage and 115 percent of the decades average, providing a favorable outlook for agricultural productivity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 43786 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/kharif-crop-area-increases-by-651-lakh-hectares-in-202526 2025-10-13 17:38:01 knnindia.co.in