Possibility of increase or decrease in production area of various Kharif crops

16-Apr-2025 12:19 PM

New Delhi. As the sowing of major Kharif crops begins with the southwest monsoon rains in June, early estimates suggest changes in crop acreage based on price trends, import-export dynamics, and market sentiment.

Compared to 2024, the sowing area for paddy, soybean, groundnut, and cotton may decline in the 2025 Kharif season, while an increase is expected for maize, millet, moong, and sesame.

Sorghum, tuvar, urad, and sugarcane areas are likely to remain steady. The forecast of a good monsoon further supports these projections.

Paddy prices have stayed soft this season, and soybean and groundnut have traded below MSP despite record government procurement, discouraging farmers. Cotton prices also remained weak, leading to lower enthusiasm among growers despite government purchases.

On the other hand, maize and millet are offering good returns to farmers, prompting expectations of expanded sowing. Sorghum, with stagnant prices, may see no significant change in acreage.

Among pulses, early strong prices for tuvar, urad, and moong fell below MSP. Tuvar and urad import duties have been waived for another year, while moong imports remain banned, affecting farmer decisions.

Sesame cultivation is likely to increase due to favorable prices. Sugarcane area may stay stable or rise slightly, supported by strong sugar prices and ethanol production prospects.

Final sowing decisions may depend on the government’s upcoming announcement of MSPs for the 2025–26 season.