Surge in summer sowing offers more cushion against food inflation

Summer sowing has been on the rise, with acreage under crops increasing by 15% year-on-year as of 18 April, offering relief to policymakers concerned about food inflation.

- Vijay C. Roy

According to agriculture ministry data, farmers in India have sown crops across 6.88 million hectares in the ongoing summer cropping season, compared to 5.97 million hectares during the same period last year.

This surge in sowing promises to ease concerns over food supply shortages and inflationary pressures.

While summer crops contribute a relatively small share to India's total farm output, gains in acreage—especially in fast-growing crops like pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals—can help cushion short-term supply shocks and lay the groundwork for a robust kharif season.

The average area sown during the summer is around 7.1 million hectares, though this varies each year based on rainfall and climatic conditions.