In the 2024-25 kharif season, India has seen significant growth in agricultural sowing due to improved monsoon conditions. Here are some key points from the recent data released by the agriculture ministry: Overall Increase in Sowing Area: The total sown area for kharif crops has expanded by 10.3% compared to the previous year, amounting to 57.5 million hectares. This growth is largely attributed to better monsoon rains observed recently. Main Crops Showing Growth: Paddy (Rice): The area under paddy has increased by 20.75% year-on-year, reaching 11.56 million hectares. Paddy is a crucial kharif crop and this increase reflects positive agricultural activity. Pulses: Pulse cultivation has surged by 25.89%, with a total area of 6.2 million hectares. Notably, tur (arhar) alone covers 2.8 million hectares. Oilseeds: The area under oilseeds has grown by 22%, totaling 14 million hectares. This growth is expected to boost edible oil production, thereby reducing import dependence. Sugarcane and Cotton: Sugarcane sowing area increased marginally to 5.76 million hectares, while cotton saw an increase to 9.57 million hectares. These crops also contribute significantly to India's agricultural output. In contrast to the overall positive trend, the area under millets has decreased by 7% year-on-year, totaling 9.7 million hectares. This decline is notable considering the previous emphasis on millets during the International Year of Millets in 2023. Monsoon Performance: The monsoon rainfall up to mid-July was reported to be 2% below the normal benchmark. While West Bengal and Bihar received adequate rainfall, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh experienced below-normal rainfall. Despite these variations, the overall sowing activity has been robust across the country. Overall, the increase in sowing area for key kharif crops in 2024-25 signifies positive agricultural prospects for India, driven by favorable monsoon conditions and strategic crop planning.