Overview

• Paddy sowing has surged 58% year-on-year to 13.22 lakh hectares as of June 20, driven by improved rains.
• Total kharif area expanded to 137.84 lakh hectares from 124.88 lakh hectares a year earlier.
• Acreage of pulses rose to 9.44 lakh hectares, coarse cereals to 18.03 lakh and cotton to 31.25 lakh while oilseeds fell to 5.38 lakh.
• Monsoon revival has bolstered planting after a brief stall and the IMD expects overall rainfall to be above normal.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved increased minimum support prices for 14 kharif crops to boost farmer incomes.