Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reviews Agriculture Sector Progress: Kharif Sowing Up by 6.5 Lakh Hectares, Rabi Outlook Positive with Ample Water Storage
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed Kharif progress and Rabi preparedness, noting higher sowing at 1,121.46 lakh hectares—up 6.51 lakh ha from last year. Paddy, maize, sugarcane, and pulses gained, with urad up 1.5 lakh ha. Reservoirs hold 115% of the 10-year average; foodgrain stocks, fertilisers, and horticulture areas remain strong.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday (October 13, 2025) chaired a high-level meeting to review the overall progress of agriculture sector, as the Kharif season nears completion and preparations for Rabi sowing gather pace. The meeting focused on crop performance, fertiliser supply, and water storage levels across the country, with officials presenting a largely positive outlook for the upcoming season.
According to official data, the total area under Kharif crops has increased by 6.51 lakh hectares compared to last year, reaching 1,121.46 lakh hectares against 1,114.95 lakh hectares in 2024–25. Major crops such as paddy, maize, sugarcane, and pulses have recorded higher sowing, while the area under urad (black gram) has gone up from 22.87 lakh hectares last year to 24.37 lakh hectares this year, a jump of 1.50 lakh hectares.
Chouhan, who recently visited flood-hit districts, reviewed the crop situation in states affected by heavy rains and landslides. Officials informed him that while some areas reported crop losses due to excess rainfall, others benefited from good monsoon showers, which have helped improve soil moisture and boost prospects for Rabi sowing. The minister directed officials to ensure that necessary assistance reaches farmers in affected regions.
Officials also reported steady progress in horticultural crops. The sowing area for onion, potato, and tomato has gone up compared to last year. Onion cultivation has expanded from 3.62 lakh hectares to 3.91 lakh hectares, while potato area increased from 0.35 lakh hectares to 0.43 lakh hectares. Tomato cultivation has seen the biggest jump, from 1.86 lakh hectares to 2.37 lakh hectares, indicating strong prospects for vegetable supply in the coming months.
Foodgrain availability remains stable, with officials informing that current rice and wheat stocks are higher than the prescribed buffer norms, ensuring adequate supply for the near future.
On the water front, reservoir levels across the country are significantly higher than last year and the ten-year average. As of now, 161 major reservoirs hold 103.51% of last year’s storage and 115% of the ten-year average, a key factor expected to support the Rabi crop cycle.
Union minister also reviewed fertiliser supply and instructed officials to maintain close coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and state governments to ensure smooth and timely distribution during the upcoming sowing season.
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Source : Krishi Jagran
