India’s Kharif crop sowing has gained significant momentum, with the total area covered crossing 597.86 lakh hectares as of July 11, 2025, according to the Agriculture Ministry’s latest data. This marks an increase of 37.27 lakh hectares compared to the same period last year, when was recorded at 560.59 lakh hectares.
Rice, India’s staple crop, has recorded a major jump in sowing, with 123.68 lakh hectares already covered, nearly 12 lakh hectares more than the previous year. Pulses have also seen a strong rise, particularly Moong, which increased by nearly 11 lakh hectares. The total pulses acreage now stands at 67.09 lakh hectares, up from 53.39 lakh hectares in 2024. However, the area under Arhar has slightly declined.
Millets and other coarse cereals, now officially promoted as “Shri Anna,” are experiencing significant growth. Sown across 116.30 lakh hectares so far, these climate-resilient grains are up by over 16 lakh hectares year-on-year. Bajra, in particular, has seen a major jump in cultivation.
Oilseed sowing, on the other hand, has seen a marginal decline. While groundnut acreage rose by nearly 5 lakh hectares, soybean, a key oilseed crop, registered a fall of 8.75 lakh hectares, pulling the overall oilseed coverage down to 137.27 lakh hectares from 139.82 lakh hectares last year.
Sugarcane sowing remains stable at 55.16 lakh hectares, while cotton and jute have seen minor dips.
Officials say the increase in acreage is largely due to favourable monsoon conditions and early sowing in several regions. The rise in pulses and millets indicates a shift toward more resilient crops, while the drop in soybean could be linked to delayed rains or changing market dynamics.
With the monsoon progressing well, the government is hopeful of a strong Kharif season this year.
