India’s Agriculture Sector Strengthened by Favorable Monsoon and Government Support
India's agricultural landscape is experiencing a period of significant optimism, buoyed by a combination of favorable weather conditions and robust government policy. Union Minister for Agriculture, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, recently highlighted the sector's strong performance, noting that the country is on track for a bountiful harvest season. This positive outlook is underpinned by excellent sowing figures for major Kharif crops and strategic financial support from the central government.
A crucial element of this support is the recent approval of a ₹38,000 crore fertiliser subsidy, a move praised by Minister Chouhan as a vital measure to assist farmers. This financial backing coincides with ideal environmental conditions. The timely arrival and adequate distribution of the monsoon have replenished the nation's reservoirs, ensuring sufficient water for irrigation. The total live storage in 161 key reservoirs is reported at 165.58 billion cubic metres, which is significantly above both last year's level and the ten-year average. This abundance of water has been instrumental in facilitating timely and expanded crop sowing across the country.
The progress in the Kharif 2025 season is evident in the impressive sowing statistics. Paddy cultivation has expanded to cover 441.58 lakh hectares, surpassing the previous year’s figures. Similarly, oilseeds like soybean and groundnut have been planted across 190.13 lakh hectares, while pulses, essential for the nation's nutritional needs, occupy 120.41 lakh hectares. Sugarcane farming also remains strong, with 59.07 lakh hectares under cultivation.
As the Kharif season progresses, harvesting has already commenced in some regions, covering approximately 27% of the sown area. The satisfactory condition of key vegetable crops such as onions, potatoes, and tomatoes further stabilizes the food supply chain. Looking ahead, the consistent soil moisture has created a promising foundation for the upcoming Rabi season, with early sowing already underway. With national stocks of rice and wheat comfortably exceeding buffer norms, the country’s food security framework appears more resilient than ever, heralding a period of stability for both farmers and consumers.
