Central Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reviews Progress in Agriculture Sector

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India’s agriculture sector has greatly benefited this year from a favorable monsoon, adequate rainfall, and improved water storage in reservoirs. During a weekly review meeting on the progress of agriculture, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said that most major reservoirs in the country have recorded normal or above-normal water levels. This has helped fulfill irrigation needs and ensured timely sowing of Kharif crops. The consistent moisture in the soil has also accelerated sowing and supported balanced crop growth. The minister added that the sufficient soil moisture will also contribute to an increase in Rabi crop coverage.

In the meeting chaired by Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, it was reported that Kharif 2025 sowing has been satisfactory. Paddy cultivation has reached 441.58 lakh hectares, surpassing last year’s figures. The total oilseed cultivation area across India has risen to 190.13 lakh hectares, with soybean and groundnut being the major crops. Similarly, the area under pulses stands at 120.41 lakh hectares, a significant step toward nutritional security. The sugarcane cultivation area has reached 59.07 lakh hectares, directly benefiting farmers engaged in sugarcane production.

Agriculture Commissioner Dr. P.K. Singh informed the minister that irrigation projects and reservoirs across the country now have improved water availability, boosting agriculture in irrigated regions. The total water storage in 161 reservoirs currently stands at 165.58 billion cubic meters (BCM) — 104.30% higher than last year and 115.95% above the 10-year average.

The meeting was also informed that harvesting of Kharif crops has begun in several regions, covering about 27% of the total Kharif area so far. In some areas, Rabi sowing has also started, currently in its early stages. The condition of onion, potato, and tomato crops remains stable, while rice and wheat stocks are reported to be higher than the buffer norms.

Minister Chouhan emphasized that timely monsoon, sufficient reservoir resources, efficient planning, and digital innovations have led to record achievements in Indian agriculture. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, pro-farmer policies are improving farmers’ living standards and strengthening national food security. He added that the central government, in collaboration with states, will provide all possible support to ensure higher sowing and record productivity of pulses and oilseeds in the upcoming Rabi season.

The minister also announced that the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has approved ₹38,000 crore for fertilizer subsidies, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of all farmers for this significant decision.