Farmers in India Sow More Kharif Crops This Year
Increase in Sowing Area
Farmers in India have sown Kharif crops across 1,065.08 lakh hectares so far this year, compared to 1,044.85 lakh hectares in the same period last year. This marks a 1.93% increase, according to the latest data from the Agriculture Ministry.
Details on Crop Sowing
The data shows that the sowing of paddy, pulses, oilseeds, millets, and sugarcane has increased year-on-year. However, the sowing of cotton and jute/mesta has decreased. Within the pulses category, arhar and moong sowing has increased, while urad, kulthi, and moth bean sowing has slightly decreased.
Government’s Commitment
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the central government is committed to 100% procurement of urad, arhar, and masur pulses in all states. He urged for more awareness to encourage farmers to cultivate more pulses. India, a large consumer and grower of pulses, also imports some of its pulse consumption needs.
Monsoon Predictions
India has three cropping seasons: Summer, Kharif, and Rabi. Kharif crops, sown during June-July and dependent on monsoon rains, are harvested in October-November. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and private forecaster Skymet have predicted an above-normal monsoon this year, which is expected to benefit crop growth.
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 about the size of a football field.
Paddy -: Paddy is another word for rice when it is still in the field or just harvested.
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.
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 plant from which sugar is made. It grows well in warm climates.
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.
Jute/Mesta -: Jute and mesta are plants used to make strong, coarse fibers for making ropes, bags, and other products.
Procurement -: Procurement means the act of buying or obtaining something. In this context, it means the government buying crops from farmers.
Monsoon -: Monsoon is the 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 helps make decisions about farming in India.
