New Delhi: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the overall progress of the agriculture sector, including Kharif crop performance, Rabi preparedness, fertiliser availability, and the impact of floods in parts of the country.
Officials informed the Minister that the total area under Kharif crops has increased by 6.51 lakh hectares compared to last year, reaching 1,121.46 lakh hectares, up from 1,114.95 lakh hectares in 2024–25. Sowing of major crops such as paddy, maize, sugarcane, wheat, and pulses has shown a notable rise, with urad (black gram) acreage climbing from 22.87 lakh hectares to 24.37 lakh hectares this year.
Reviewing conditions in flood-affected regions, Shri Chouhan was briefed that while excessive rainfall had impacted crops in certain districts, a generally good monsoon across other areas has ensured healthy crop growth and a promising outlook for Rabi sowing.
The meeting also noted significant progress in the cultivation of horticultural crops. The area under onion has increased to 3.91 lakh hectares (from 3.62 lakh hectares last year), potato to 0.43 lakh hectares (from 0.35 lakh hectares), and tomato to 2.37 lakh hectares (from 1.86 lakh hectares).
Officials assured the Minister that rice and wheat stock levels remain above prescribed buffer norms, ensuring stable supplies.
On the water front, the country’s 161 major reservoirs currently hold 103.51% of last year’s storage and 115% of the ten-year average, indicating ample water availability for upcoming agricultural cycles.
Chouhan also reviewed fertiliser supply arrangements, directing officials to maintain close coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to ensure timely and uninterrupted availability across states.
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