Farmers in India Sow More Kharif Crops This Year
Increase in Sowing Area
Farmers in India have sown Kharif crops across 1,031.56 lakh hectares so far this year, compared to 1,010.52 lakh hectares in the same period last year. This marks a 2.1% increase, according to the latest data from the Agriculture Ministry.
Details on Crop Sowing
Commodity-wise, the sowing of paddy, pulses, oilseeds, millets, and sugarcane has increased year-on-year. However, the sowing of cotton and jute/mesta has decreased. In the pulses category, arhar and moong sowing has increased, while urad, kulthi, and moth bean sowing has decreased.
Government’s Commitment
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the central government is committed to 100% procurement of urad, arhar, and masur in all states. He emphasized the need to raise awareness so that more farmers engage in pulse cultivation. India is a large consumer and grower of pulses, meeting some of its needs through imports.
Monsoon Predictions
India has three cropping seasons: Summer, Kharif, and Rabi. Kharif crops are sown during June-July and depend on monsoon rains, with harvesting in October-November. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and private forecaster Skymet have predicted a normal to above-normal monsoon this year, which is crucial for the Kharif season.
Doubts Revealed
Kharif crops -: Kharif crops are the crops that are sown at the beginning of the rainy season, usually around June, and harvested in the autumn. Examples include rice, maize, and millets.
Hectares -: A hectare is a unit of area measurement used in agriculture. One hectare is equal to 10,000 square meters, which is about the size of a football field.
Paddy -: Paddy is another name for rice when it is still in the husk. It is a staple food for many people in India.
Pulses -: Pulses are a type of leguminous crop that includes beans, lentils, and peas. They are a good source of protein.
Oilseeds -: Oilseeds are seeds used to produce oil, like mustard seeds, sunflower seeds, and groundnuts. These oils are used for cooking and other purposes.
Millets -: Millets are small-seeded grains that are very nutritious and can grow in dry areas. Examples include ragi and bajra.
Sugarcane -: Sugarcane is a tall tropical plant from which sugar is extracted. It is grown in many parts of India.
Cotton -: Cotton is a soft, fluffy fiber that grows in a boll around the seeds of the cotton plant. It is used to make clothes and other textiles.
Jute/mesta -: Jute and mesta are plants used to make strong, coarse fibers. These fibers are used to make items like ropes and sacks.
Procurement -: Procurement means the act of obtaining something. In this context, it means the government buying crops from farmers.
Monsoon -: The monsoon is a seasonal wind that brings heavy rains to India, usually from June to September. It is very important for farming.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan -: Shivraj Singh Chouhan is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the Agriculture Minister. He is responsible for policies related to farming and agriculture in India.
