Paddy and Pulses Sowing Increases in 2024-25 Kharif Season

The agriculture ministry reports a 2.22% increase in paddy sowing to 413.50 lakh hectares in the 2024-25 kharif season. Sowing of pulses, coarse cereals, and oilseeds has also seen an uptick. The overall area sown to all kharif crops is 1104.63 lakh hectares, surpassing last year's 1088.26 lakh hectares.

The agriculture ministry revealed a 2.22% rise in the paddy sown area, reaching 413.50 lakh hectares for the ongoing 2024-25 kharif season, compared to 404.50 lakh hectares in the previous year.

Pulses sowing climbed to 128.58 lakh hectares by September 23, up from 119.28 lakh hectares last year, with notable increases in 'arhar' and 'moong' areas. However, urad recorded a slight decline.

Coarse cereals, including maize and millets, saw an increase to 192.55 lakh hectares from 186.07 lakh hectares. Marginal increases were also noted in oilseeds and cash crops such as sugarcane and cotton, the report added.

(With inputs from agencies.)