Domestic Urad Sowing Area 8% Higher Than Last Year

25-Jul-2026 10:51 AM

New Delhi: Driven by a pickup in sowing pace in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan following recent rains, the national sowing area for Urad (black gram) has surpassed last year's figures for the first time this Kharif season. The monsoon remains active across several states, aiding Urad sowing operations.

According to the latest data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture, the domestic sowing area for Urad reached 18.67 lakh hectares by July 24 of the current Kharif season; this is 1.40 lakh hectares—or 8 percent—higher than the 17.27 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. In the preceding week, the Urad acreage stood at 13.51 lakh hectares, trailing significantly behind the previous year's figure of 14.36 lakh hectares. Thus, Urad sowing was completed across more than 5 lakh hectares in just one week.

The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) views this improvement in Urad sowing area as a positive sign, suggesting a potential boost in domestic production and a reduction in reliance on imports. Farmers in several key producing states continue to show enthusiasm and interest in Urad cultivation. As the ideal sowing window has not yet closed, there remains scope for further expansion in the cultivated area.