Farmers Increasingly Inclined Towards Low-Water-Consuming Crops

28-Jul-2026 01:48 PM

New Delhi: Due to the uncertain and erratic nature of the southwest monsoon and the apprehension of below-normal rainfall, farmers are showing an increasing inclination during the current Kharif season towards crops that require less irrigation and offer quick returns. Although the sowing area for crops like sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), maize, tur (pigeon pea), moong (green gram), moth bean, and soybean has declined compared to last year, the gap is gradually narrowing.

Government data reveals a significant 61.6 percent increase in the sunflower cultivation area up to July 24 of the current Kharif season compared to the previous year. Additionally, there has been an increase in the sowing area for sesame (8.3 percent), horse gram/kulthi (15.6 percent), jute (2 percent), and mesta (5.7 percent). The area under urad (black gram) cultivation has also expanded.

Farmers are prioritizing the cultivation of crops and varieties that mature quickly; this includes vegetable crops. It is expected that the acreage for coarse cereals and pulses will see further improvement. The cultivation area for groundnut and soybean has recovered to levels very close to those of the previous year, and the area under cotton is also improving.