Latest data released by the agriculture ministry shows that acreage under paddy cultivation has risen by 4.29 per cent to 39.42 million hectare so far in the ongoing 2024-25 kharif season. The area under paddy was 37.8 million hectare in the corresponding period last year.
It may be mentioned that sowing of paddy, the main kharif crop, begins with the onset of the southwest monsoon in June, and harvesting commences in October. The overall area sown to all kharif crops remained higher by a little over 2 per cent at 106.5 million hectare compared to 104.48 million hectare in the same period last year.
The data showed that the area sown to pulses rose to 12.21 million hectare till August 27 against 11.55 million hectare in the same period last year. The ministry in a statement said the coverage of 'arhar' rose to 4.57 million hectare from 4.07 million hectare. While arhar (tur) sowing has been completed, the area sown to 'urad' was 2.9 million hectare against 3.08 million hectare.
The area under coarse cereals and 'Shree Anna' (millets) increased to 18.55 million hectare from 17.75 million hectare in the year-ago period. Likewise, the area under maize rose to 8.72 million hectare against 8.12 million hectare among coarse cereals.
Similarly, area sown to oilseeds rose marginally to 18.83 million hectare so far this kharif season from 18.73 million hectare a year ago.
Among cash crops, the area sown to sugarcane climbed marginally to 5.76 million hectare from 5.71 million hectare, cotton acreage declined to 11.13 million hectare from 12.27 million hectare, while jute-mesta acreage remained lower at 5,70,000 hectare against 6,56,00 hectare.
