Increase of 2.36 lakh hectares in pulse acreage

New Delhi. Despite a decline of 1.28 lakh hectares in the acreage of Moong (green gram), the total sown area for Kharif pulse crops has risen to 120.62 lakh hectares this season, driven by robust sowing of Urad (black gram) and Arhar (Tur/pigeon pea). This marks an increase of 2.36 lakh hectares over the 118.26 lakh hectares sown during the same period last year. Sowing operations for pulses have largely concluded.

According to official data, compared to the previous year, the sown area for Arhar (Tur) increased from 45.95 lakh hectares to 47.25 lakh hectares, and Moth bean acreage improved from 9.20 lakh hectares to 9.25 lakh hectares by September 25, 2026. Meanwhile, the sown area for Urad surged by 2.87 lakh hectares, rising from 23.20 lakh hectares to 26.07 lakh hectares. Conversely, during the same period, the sown area for Moong declined from 34.74 lakh hectares to 33.46 lakh hectares, and the area under other pulses fell from 4.44 lakh hectares to 3.94 lakh hectares.

Overall, the sown area for Kharif pulse crops is satisfactory; however, weather and monsoon conditions in several regions are not entirely favorable, particularly for the Tur crop. This raises concerns that the production of this crucial Kharif pulse could be weak. The Urad crop is reported to be in largely normal condition, though the Moong crop faces risks in some areas. Moth bean production in Rajasthan is expected to be good. Arrivals of the new crop have already commenced in some regions.