Area Under Summer Crops Reaches 69 Lakh Hectares

21-Apr-2026 12:38 PM

New Delhi. The latest weekly data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture reveals that, during the current year up to April 17, the area under summer (or *Zaid*) crops expanded to 69.10 lakh hectares—an increase of 4.4 percent compared to the sowing area of ​​66 lakh hectares recorded during the corresponding period last year.

This growth occurred despite the fact that the area under paddy—the most prominent food grain—declined by 7.6 percent from last year's 32.30 lakh hectares to stand at 30.60 lakh hectares this year. Prior to this, on April 10, the area under paddy cultivation had also stood at 30.60 lakh hectares.

Paddy cultivation has now concluded. However, the area under other *Zaid* crops has shown improvement. For instance, during the period under review, the area under pulses increased from 13.50 lakh hectares to 15.50 lakh hectares, while the sowing area for oilseed crops surged from 7.65 lakh hectares to reach 9.14 lakh hectares. The area under coarse cereals also witnessed an increase. The sowing campaign has now reached its final stage.

Within the pulses category, *Moong* (Green Gram) accounts for the largest share of cultivation during the *Zaid* season. Its cultivation area grew by approximately 10 percent compared to last year, reaching 10.70 lakh hectares this season.

Similarly, the sowing area for *Urad* (Black Gram) reached 3.45 lakh hectares, registering a growth of 38 percent; meanwhile, no significant change was observed in the sowing areas for Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, and other small millets.

The cultivation area for oilseed crops reached 9.14 lakh hectares, marking an increase of 19.5 percent. Under this initiative, the area under groundnut cultivation surged by 31 percent to reach 5.51 lakh hectares, while the area under sesame improved by 5 percent to stand at 3.18 lakh hectares. The condition of the crops is reported to be normal.