India’s Kharif Crop Sowing Exceeds 1,121 Lakh Hectares – Maize & Urad Lead Growth in 2025
New Delhi, 6 Oct 2025 – India’s Kharif crop sowing for 2025-26 has surpassed 1,121 lakh hectares, reflecting a strong agricultural season. Major gains were seen in Maize (+12%) and Urad (+6.5%), while coarse cereals showed significant area expansion, indicating a likely boost in millet and food grain production this year.
Key Highlights (as of 3rd October 2025)
- Total Kharif Area: 1,121.46 lakh hectare (↑ from 1,114.95 lakh ha in 2024-25)
- Coarse Cereals: 194.67 lakh ha (↑ 11.13 lakh ha)
- Maize: 94.95 lakh ha (↑ 10.65 lakh ha, +12.6%)
- Urad (Black Gram): 24.37 lakh ha (↑ 1.50 lakh ha, +6.5%)
- Rice: 441.58 lakh ha (↑ 5.90 lakh ha)
- Sugarcane: 59.07 lakh ha (↑ 1.86 lakh ha)
- Oilseeds: 190.13 lakh ha (↓ 10.62 lakh ha) – mainly due to lower soybean sowing
- Cotton: 110.03 lakh ha (↓ 2.94 lakh ha)
Overall increase of 6.51 lakh hectares compared to last year.
Segment Snapshot (Area in Lakh Hectare)
| Crop Type | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | 435.68 | 441.58 | +5.90 |
| Pulses | 119.04 | 120.41 | +1.37 |
| Coarse Cereals | 183.54 | 194.67 | +11.13 |
| Oilseeds | 200.75 | 190.13 | -10.62 |
| Sugarcane | 57.22 | 59.07 | +1.86 |
| Cotton | 112.97 | 110.03 | -2.94 |
| Jute & Mesta | 5.75 | 5.56 | -0.18 |
What This Means
- Rising coarse cereal area highlights India’s growing millet focus under the “Shree Anna Mission.”
- Increase in Urad and Maize areas signals better pulse and feed grain output.
- Despite a slight dip in oilseeds and cotton, overall agricultural coverage shows strong rural momentum.
With steady gains in key crops like maize and pulses, India’s Kharif 2025 season reflects strong farmer resilience and a promising outlook for the nation’s food security.
