BUMPER HARVEST ON CARDS AS KHARIF AREA JUMPS

The rise is led by aincrease of 20 lakh hectare in paddy that signals a boost in rice production

- NEERAJ MOHAN

India's agricultural sector is set for a promising season, with the Ministry of Agriculture reporting a substantial increase in the area under kharif crops. This surge is expected to lead to a bumper harvest, bolstering food security and supporting the rural economy at a crucial time.

According to the latest data, the total area sown with kharif crops has expanded to 1,031.56 lakh hectares, a notable rise of 21.04 lakh hectares compared to the previous year’s 1,010.52 lakh hectares. This growth is led by a significant increase in paddy cultivation, which has surged to 369.05 lakh hectares from 349.49 lakh hectares last year—a nearly 20 lakh hectare jump that signals a potentially substantial boost in rice production.