Area Under Summer Crops Reaches 72.30 Lakh Hectares

28-Apr-2026 11:45 AM

New Delhi. The latest data from the Union Ministry of Food reveals that, compared to the previous year, the total area under summer (Zaid season) crops during the current year has expanded by approximately 3 percent—or 2.11 lakh hectares—rising from 70.19 lakh hectares to reach 72.30 lakh hectares. Although the area under paddy and bajra (pearl millet) declined during this period, a significant increase was recorded in the sown area for pulses, oilseeds, and maize.

According to government statistics, during the period under review, the area under paddy cultivation contracted from 32.31 lakh hectares to 30.68 lakh hectares. Conversely, the sown area for pulse crops surged from 15.93 lakh hectares to 17.19 lakh hectares; the area under coarse cereals improved from 14.25 lakh hectares to 15.21 lakh hectares; and the area under oilseed crops expanded from 7.71 lakh hectares to reach 9.21 lakh hectares.

Within the pulses category, the area under Moong (green gram) cultivation improved from 12.99 lakh hectares to 13.17 lakh hectares, while the sown area for Urad (black gram) rose from 2.75 lakh hectares to 3.72 lakh hectares.

Similarly, among oilseed crops, the area under groundnut cultivation increased from 4.20 lakh hectares to 5.51 lakh hectares, and the area under sesame improved from 3.09 lakh hectares to 3.25 lakh hectares. As for coarse cereals, the sown area for Bajra declined from 5.20 lakh hectares to 5.10 lakh hectares; however, the area under maize expanded from 8.50 lakh hectares to reach 9.50 lakh hectares.

The area under summer crop cultivation has now reached the normal average level, and the pace of sowing has subsequently slowed down.