Kharif Crop Acreage Likely to Rise Further
10-Jul-2025 05:53 PM
New Delhi. In comparison to last year, the total production area of Kharif crops during the current year till July 4 has increased by 11 percent from 393.77 lakh hectares to 437.43 lakh hectares.
During a week, its area increased by about 180 lakh hectares, in which the contribution of the area of oilseed crops was about 60 lakh hectares.
This year the normal average area for Kharif crops has been estimated to be 1097 lakh hectares, in which sowing of crops has been completed in 40 percent of the area.
There is good monsoon rain in different parts of the country, which is helping the farmers to increase the pace of sowing.
In comparison to last year, this time the cultivation of Arhar (Tuvar), maize and ragi has been done in a lesser area, whereas the area of other crops is going ahead of last year.
It is expected that the production area of Tuvar, maize and ragi will increase during the current week and may surpass last year.
Although the domestic market price of Tuvar has come down considerably compared to its peak level and has come down to around the minimum support price and sometimes even below it, the Central Government has not only increased the minimum support price of Tuvar by Rs 450 from Rs 7550 per quintal to Rs 8000 per quintal, but has also given a guarantee of 100 percent purchase of Arhar from the farmers at this price. This may increase the enthusiasm of the producers. The area has already increased in Karnataka.
As far as maize is concerned, its minimum support price has also been increased by Rs 175 from Rs 2225 per quintal to Rs 2400 per quintal and the government can show good interest in its purchase if needed.
However, the price of maize is likely to remain above the government support price because it is being used in large quantities in ethanol production along with traditional consuming industries.
Producers do not have to struggle to sell their maize stock. There is a lack of rain in some states, due to which the pace of sowing is somewhat slow there.
The monsoon is gradually becoming strong and active and rain is occurring in different areas. In view of this, good progress is expected in sowing of Kharif crops during the coming weeks. The trend of increase in area may continue further.