Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of the agriculture sector. The discussion focused on the status of Kharif crops, Rabi sowing preparedness, crop conditions in flood-affected areas, fertiliser availability, price trends, and water storage levels in major reservoirs across the country.
Officials informed that the total area under Kharif crops has increased by 6.51 lakh hectares compared to the previous year, reaching 1,121.46 lakh hectares, up from 1,114.95 lakh hectares in 2024–25. Sowing of major crops such as wheat, paddy, maize, sugarcane, and pulses has registered a rise, with urad (black gram) acreage increasing from 22.87 lakh hectares last year to 24.37 lakh hectares this season.
Chouhan also reviewed the crop situation in flood-hit areas. He was briefed that while excessive rainfall has affected some regions, good monsoon conditions elsewhere have supported healthy crop growth. This is expected to contribute positively to Rabi sowing and overall agricultural output.
The meeting noted encouraging progress in the sowing of horticulture crops. Onion acreage has increased from 3.62 lakh hectares in 2024–25 to 3.91 lakh hectares this year, while potato cultivation has expanded from 0.35 to 0.43 lakh hectares. Tomato sowing has grown from 1.86 to 2.37 lakh hectares over the same period, indicating strong momentum in vegetable production.
Officials further informed the Union Minister that the current rice and wheat stock levels remain above the prescribed buffer norms, reflecting a stable food supply position.
Water availability across the country has also improved significantly. As of now, 161 major reservoirs hold 103.51% of last year’s storage and 115% of the ten-year average. This satisfactory storage level is expected to support higher yields in the upcoming season.
Chouhan directed officials to ensure the timely availability of fertilisers, emphasising close coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to avoid supply disruptions. Officials assured that continuous coordination with states is being maintained to meet fertiliser demand effectively.
The review meeting underscored the government’s preparedness to support farmers and maintain stable agricultural production, even in the face of uneven monsoon patterns.