Kharif Season 2025: As of July 18, 2025, Kharif sowing across the country has reached 708.31 lakh hectares, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This marks an increase of nearly 28 lakh hectares compared to 680.38 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year.
Rice cultivation has seen the most significant jump, covering 176.68 lakh hectares, up by 19.47 lakh hectares from last year. The rise in rice acreage is attributed to timely monsoon showers and improved irrigation facilities across eastern and central states.
Maize and bajra, key coarse cereal crops, have also shown healthy growth. The maize area increased by 9.48 lakh hectares, while bajra expanded by 6.85 lakh hectares. Total coverage under coarse cereals stood at 133.65 lakh hectares, up from 117.66 lakh hectares last year.
Pulses have recorded a moderate increase, reaching 81.98 lakh hectares, supported by higher cultivation of moong and moth bean. However, the sowing of tur and urad remained marginally lower than last year.
In contrast, oilseed cultivation, particularly soybean, witnessed a notable decline. The total area under oilseeds has dropped to 156.76 lakh hectares, down by over 6 lakh hectares compared to 2024. The drop in soybean acreage alone accounts for 7.29 lakh hectares, raising concerns over potential supply-side pressures in the coming months.
Sugarcane sowing showed a marginal rise to 55.16 lakh hectares, while jute and mesta witnessed a slight decline.
Officials attributed the overall increase in Kharif sowing to a timely and well-distributed monsoon, along with favourable policy support, including higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for several crops.
The Ministry stated that it will continue to monitor sowing patterns closely as monsoon rains advance through the remaining parts of northwest and central India.
