Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level review of the agriculture sector, focusing on crop conditions, fertiliser supply and water availability.
Officials reported that the total Kharif sowing area has risen to 1,121.46 lakh hectares, 6.51 lakh hectares more than last year. Wheat, paddy, maize, sugarcane and pulses have all recorded increases, with urad acreage alone rising by 1.50 lakh hectares.
In horticulture, the area under onion, tomato and potato has expanded significantly, meeting targets for the season. Chouhan reviewed crop loss in flood-hit districts but was informed that ample rainfall elsewhere has boosted Rabi prospects.
Reservoir storage stands at 103.51% of last year’s level and 115% of the ten-year average, while rice and wheat stocks remain above buffer norms. He directed seamless fertiliser availability through coordination with states and the Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry.
