Area of ​​summer crops in Gujarat slightly ahead of last year

24-Feb-2025 07:45 PM

The sowing of summer (zaid) crops in Gujarat is progressing slightly ahead of last year, according to the latest data from the State Agriculture Department. As of February 24, 2025, the total area of summer crops in Gujarat reached 1,79,740 hectares, an increase of 1,080 hectares compared to the same period last year.

Key points from the data:

• Paddy sowing has significantly increased, from 95,157 hectares to 1,04,054 hectares.
• Sesame sowing has also seen growth, rising from 6,596 hectares to 6,837 hectares.
• Sugarcane production has expanded from 3,797 hectares to 5,095 hectares.
• However, some crops, such as millet, maize, moong, urad, and groundnut, have experienced a decrease in sowing area.
  • Millet decreased from 21,941 hectares to 19,744 hectares.
  • Maize dropped from 2,319 hectares to 1,872 hectares.
  • Moong fell from 5,375 hectares to 3,473 hectares.
  • Groundnut decreased from 6,418 hectares to 4,809 hectares, with the price of groundnut dropping below the minimum support price (MSP), affecting sowing decisions.

Farmers in Gujarat are likely adjusting their crop choices based on market price fluctuations. While prices for pulses and oilseeds have softened, the price of sugar and sesame has risen, encouraging farmers to prioritize crops like sesame and sugarcane. This shift in crop choices reflects market dynamics and the farmers' responses to changes in crop profitability.