Sowing of summer crops continues in Gujarat - improvement in area

11-Feb-2025 01:00 PM

The sowing of summer or zaid crops in Gujarat is progressing well, showing a notable increase in the area covered compared to last year.

The area for zaid crops has expanded by about 33%, rising from 14,631 hectares in 2024 to 21,782 hectares as of February 10, 2025.

Key crops that have seen significant growth in area include paddy, with a jump from 6,679 hectares last year to 15,607 hectares this year. Millet also saw an increase from 26 hectares to 290 hectares.

However, maize sowing has seen a sharp decline, from 841 hectares last year to just 38 hectares this year, though the total area of grain crops has still increased from 7,546 hectares to 15,935 hectares.

Pulses have seen a mixed trend. The overall area for pulses has decreased from 1,032 hectares last year to 630 hectares this year, but there was an increase in the sowing of urad, from 18 hectares to 184 hectares.

Similarly, the area for oilseeds has dropped from 814 hectares to 488 hectares, with groundnut and sesame areas shrinking.

Sugarcane production has also seen a decline, with its sowing area falling from 1,396 hectares last year to 1,056 hectares this year. Despite these declines, sowing of summer guar is continuing.

Summer crops are crucial for Gujarat, and their sowing becomes more prominent after the harvesting of Rabi crops. The harvesting of these summer crops is expected to begin in May or June.