New Delhi, October 28
The Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on behalf of all farmers for approving a Rs 38,000 crore fertiliser subsidy under the Cabinet’s decision chaired by the Prime Minister. Additionally, during a review meeting chaired by Chouhan, it was conveyed that sowing during the Kharif 2025 season has been highly satisfactory. The total sown area for paddy has reached 441.58 lakh hectares, higher than last year. The total area under oilseeds has been recorded at 190.13 lakh hectares, with soybean and groundnut being the major crops. Similarly, pulses have been sown on 120.41 lakh hectares, marking an important step toward nutritional security, while the sugarcane area stands at 59.07 lakh hectares, benefiting sugarcane growers directly.
India’s agriculture sector has significantly benefited this year from a favourable monsoon, adequate rainfall, and improved water storage levels in reservoirs. During the weekly review of agricultural progress, Chouhan noted that most major reservoirs are at normal or above-normal water levels, ensuring irrigation needs are well met and enabling timely sowing of Kharif crops. The consistent soil moisture has aided crop growth and is expected to support an expansion in Rabi sowing areas.
Agriculture Commissioner Dr. P.K. Singh presented a report indicating improved water availability for irrigation projects and reservoirs, facilitating agricultural growth in irrigated regions. The total live storage in 161 reservoirs across the country stands at 165.58 billion cubic metres (BCM), which is 104.30% of last year’s level and 115.95% of the ten-year average.
It was also informed that harvesting of Kharif crops has begun in some regions, covering around 27% of the total Kharif area so far, while Rabi sowing has commenced in the early stages. The condition of onion, potato, and tomato crops across the country is satisfactory, and the current stock of rice and wheat exceeds the buffer norms.
Chouhan stated that the country’s agriculture sector is achieving record milestones with timely and favourable monsoon, adequate reservoir resources, efficient planning, and digital innovations. He said that these achievements, driven by the farmer-friendly policies of the Central government under the leadership of Modi, are improving farmers’ livelihoods and strengthening national food security. The central government, in coordination with states, will provide all necessary support to promote greater sowing and record productivity of pulses and oilseeds in the upcoming Rabi season.
