Oilseed Acreage Increases, but Production Growth Uncertain

New Delhi: Although the sowing area for soybean and castor declined during the current Kharif season compared to last year, an increase in the acreage of sesame and sunflower—combined with stable groundnut acreage—resulted in a net increase of over one lakh hectares in the total area under oilseed crops.

According to the latest data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture, the area under soybean cultivation slipped from 123.30 lakh hectares last year to 123.20 lakh hectares this year. The decline in castor acreage was more pronounced. Groundnut sowing reached 51 lakh hectares, matching last year's figures. Conversely, sunflower acreage surged by 84 percent to 1.29 lakh hectares, and the area under sesame increased by 14 percent, approaching 11 lakh hectares. Sowing for Kharif oilseed crops has concluded, and the time for harvesting is now approaching.

After Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra is the second-largest soybean-producing state; however, the crop condition there is steadily deteriorating due to severe drought affecting approximately 80 percent of the region. A similar situation is being observed in Karnataka. In contrast, the condition of the soybean crop in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is reported to be normal. Crops in Gujarat and Telangana have also not suffered significant damage. Overall, while the Kharif oilseed crops have not sustained major damage, the total production is likely to be lower than last year's.