Moong and Moth Drive Rise in Pulses Acreage

15-Jul-2025 04:37 PM

New Delhi. Although Tuvar (pigeon pea) and Urad are considered the main pulses of the Kharif season, their production area is currently lagging behind last year's levels.

However, rapid growth in the sowing of Moong, particularly in Rajasthan, and good sowing of Moth have led to a significant overall increase in the area under pulse crops nationwide. Recent weeks have shown improvement in the sowing of pulses.

According to data from the Union Agriculture Ministry, the total area under pulse crops during the current Kharif season rose to 67.10 lakh hectares as of July 11, up by 13.70 lakh hectares from 53.40 lakh hectares last year.

However, this figure is still well below the five-year average of 129.61 lakh hectares. Sowing will continue through July and August, and the final acreage will become clearer in the coming weeks.

Compared to last year, the area of Arhar (Tuvar) has declined from 27.20 lakh hectares to 25.40 lakh hectares, and Urad has slightly dropped from 11.55 lakh hectares to 11.45 lakh hectares.

In contrast, Moong has seen a substantial rise in acreage, jumping from 12.20 lakh hectares to 23.15 lakh hectares, and Moth has increased from 7.85 lakh hectares to 8.45 lakh hectares. Kulthi’s area remained unchanged at 14,000 hectares, while other pulses including Chola rose from 1.80 lakh hectares to 2.25 lakh hectares.

For this season, the normal average area is estimated at 44.71 lakh hectares for Tuvar, 32.64 lakh hectares for Urad, and 35.70 lakh hectares for Moong. Current figures are still below these averages.

With monsoon rains continuing and farmers showing enthusiasm for pulses, the area is likely to improve further. Sowing of Urad is picking up pace in major producing states, bringing its area close to last year’s level. However, concerns remain about Tuvar, despite a sharp increase of ₹450 per quintal in its minimum support price.