MUMBAI, 26 July (Commoditiescontrol): Monsoon rains covering the larger part of the country, India's agriculture activity has gathered tremendous pace. The latest data issued by the Agriculture Ministry paints a cheerful picture and promises a robust harvest season ahead. As of July 26, 2024, the report from the Crops Division highlights a significant increase in Kharif crop sowing compared to the previous year. This surge in agricultural activity is crucial for ensuring food security and meeting the rising domestic and international demand for various crops. The total area sown has reached 793.63 lakh hectares, marking an increase of 18.24 lakh hectares over last year’s coverage of 775.39 lakh hectares.
Rice cultivation has shown a substantial increase, with the area under rice reaching 215.97 lakh hectares. This is a significant rise from last year’s 199.18 lakh hectares, reflecting a positive trend for this staple crop, which is crucial for the country's food security. The increased coverage of rice indicates favorable weather conditions and improved farming techniques, which have contributed to higher yields and expanded cultivation areas.
Pulses have also seen a notable increase in sown area, with 101.03 lakh hectares compared to 90.19 lakh hectares last year. This rise of 10.84 lakh hectares underscores the growing emphasis on pulse production to meet the protein demand of the population. The government's efforts to promote pulse cultivation through various schemes and incentives seem to be yielding positive results.
Oilseeds have expanded their total area under cultivation to 171.67 lakh hectares, up from 165.37 lakh hectares last year, indicating a rise of 6.30 lakh hectares. Among oilseeds, groundnut and soybean have shown significant increases, with groundnut covering 45.25 lakh hectares and soybean 118.71 lakh hectares. This increase is crucial for reducing the country's dependence on imported edible oils and boosting domestic production.
The area under coarse cereals, including jowar, bajra, and maize, has reached 153.10 lakh hectares. Maize alone accounts for 78.80 lakh hectares, reflecting a robust increase of 9.39 lakh hectares over last year. This growth in coarse cereals is important for diversifying the agricultural output and ensuring a balanced diet for the population.
Cotton cultivation has also seen a rise, with the sown area reaching 105.73 lakh hectares compared to 111.34 lakh hectares last year, showing a marginal increase of 5.46 lakh hectares. Cotton is a vital cash crop, and its increased coverage indicates strong market demand and favorable conditions for cotton farming.
Sugarcane coverage remains steady at 57.68 lakh hectares, showing a minor increase over the previous year’s 51.15 lakh hectares. The stable expansion in sugarcane cultivation suggests consistent demand from the sugar industry and the biofuel sector.
In conclusion, this year’s overall increase in Kharif crop coverage highlights a positive trend in agricultural activities across the country. The expansion in rice, pulses, and oilseeds areas is particularly significant, reflecting the government's efforts to boost food and oilseed production to meet domestic and export demands. This increase in Kharif crop coverage not only ensures food security but also strengthens the agricultural economy, providing better livelihoods for farmers and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. The proactive measures and favorable weather conditions have played a crucial role in achieving this growth, setting a positive outlook for the agricultural sector in the coming years.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91 98201 30172)
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