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India's kharif sowing has seen a 1.4% increase, covering 979.89 lakh hectares. Paddy acreage has risen by 4.3% to 331.78 lakh hectares, nearing 83% of its normal area. Notable increases in arhar, maize, and oilseeds contrast with declines in cotton and some millets. The overall pulse and nutri-cereals acreage have shown positive growth.

Highlights

Kharif Sowing Progress: As of August 9, kharif sowing of all crops except paddy covers 979.89 lakh hectares, up 1.4% from last year’s 966.40 lakh hectares. The normal area is 1,095.84 lakh hectares.

Paddy Acreage Increase: The acreage under paddy has risen by 4.3% to 331.78 lakh hectares from 318.16 lakh hectares last year. This covers 83% of the normal area of 401.55 lakh hectares.

Arhar and Pulses Expansion: Sowing of arhar has increased by 16% to 44.57 lakh hectares due to higher market prices. Overall pulse sowing has risen by 7% to 117.43 lakh hectares.

Maize and Nutri-Cereals Growth: Maize acreage has surged by 8% to 85.17 lakh hectares, with overall nutri-cereals increasing by 1% to 173.13 lakh hectares from last year.

Oilseeds Acreage Up: Soyabean coverage has exceeded its normal area, reaching 124.69 lakh hectares. The total area under oilseeds has risen by 1% to 183.69 lakh hectares.

Cotton and Sugarcane Coverage: Cotton acreage is down 9% to 110.49 lakh hectares, while sugarcane coverage is at 57.68 lakh hectares, exceeding the normal area by 13%.

Groundnut Expansion: Groundnut sowing has grown by 8% to 45.42 lakh hectares, continuing its upward trend from last year’s 41.91 lakh hectares.

Conclusion

India’s kharif sowing progress indicates a promising season for several key crops, with significant increases in paddy, pulses, and maize. The growth in oilseeds and groundnut further supports a positive outlook for agricultural output. However, declines in cotton and certain millets suggest variability in crop performance. Overall, if weather conditions remain favorable, the current trends point to a potentially robust harvest across most major crops.

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