Zaid crops sowing area reached above 37.50 lakh hectares

12-Mar-2025 12:33 PM

New Delhi: The cultivation of zaid crops has seen a significant increase this year, with the total sown area reaching 37.34 lakh hectares as of March 7, 2025. This marks a 21% rise compared to 31 lakh hectares during the same period last year.

Key Highlights of Zaid Crop Sowing:

  • Total Normal Sowing Area (Targeted): 71.34 lakh hectares
  • Current Completion: Over 50% of the target achieved
  • Sowing Period: February – May

Crop-wise Sowing Trends (2025 vs. 2024):

1. Cereals (Paddy, Maize, Millet, Sorghum, etc.)

  • Paddy: 27.13 lakh hectares (+11.5%)
  • Nutri/Coarse Cereals: 2.88 lakh hectares (+45%)
    • Maize: 1.97 lakh hectares (+28%)
    • Millet: 53,000 hectares (+59%)
    • Sorghum: 30,000 hectares (up from 7,000 hectares)

2. Pulses (Moong, Urad, etc.)

  • Total Pulses Area: 5.02 lakh hectares (+145%)
    • Moong: 3.58 lakh hectares (+168%)
    • Urad: 1.30 lakh hectares (+106%)
  • Top Producing States: Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat

3. Oilseeds (Groundnut, Sunflower, Sesame, etc.)

  • Total Oilseeds Area: 2.51 lakh hectares (down from 2.63 lakh hectares)
    • Groundnut: 1.55 lakh hectares (down from 1.67 lakh hectares)
    • Sunflower: 15,000 hectares (same as last year)
    • Sesame: 78,000 hectares (same as last year)

Challenges & Future Outlook:

Despite a shortage of water reserves in some states, farmers have shown increased interest in cultivating zaid crops. However, oilseed sowing has slowed down slightly. The government remains optimistic that sowing will continue to progress in the coming weeks, with higher production expected in cereals and pulses.

Latest News