The expansion of cultivated land offers a promising outlook for the agricultural sector. (Photo: Shutterstock)
According to the report, paddy sowing reached 40.95 million hectares, 2 per cent higher than normal and 4.06 per cent higher than last year. Sowing of coarse cereals or ‘Shree Anna’ was also above normal by 4.37 per cent at 18.87 million hectares. Pulses saw an increase of 7.58 per cent to 12.62 million hectares, with tur dal covering 4.57 million hectares.
The increase in rice cultivation comes amid forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of widespread rainfall in the country.
What does this mean for the harvest?
The expansion of cultivated land offers a promising outlook for the agricultural sector as almost all crops are sown. However, heavy and persistent rains in certain regions of India pose a serious threat to overall yields in the coming weeks. Widespread flooding in states such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has already caused significant damage to crops. The full extent of the destruction will only be known after a comprehensive assessment to be conducted by the central government.
During his visit to flood-hit Andhra Pradesh, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan last week said that floods had affected 200,000 farmers and damaged crops on 180,000 hectares. He said crops (including paddy and chilli) and household items were severely damaged in flood-hit Telangana. Officials have started assessing the damage assessment work, following which the Centre will “provide all possible support”, he said.
First published: September 10, 2024 | 10:48 am IS
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