India’s Onion Acreage Up ~8%; Potato Area Jumps ~22.9%: Centre Says Sowing on Target
14 October 2025, New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level review of the agriculture sector on Monday and was briefed on progress in sowing, crop conditions and input availability across the country. Officials told the meeting that overall Kharif sown area has increased to 1,121.46 lakh hectares from 1,114.95 lakh hectares in 2024–25 — an increase of 6.51 lakh hectares.
The meeting highlighted notable gains in vegetable and tuber acreage. Onion sowing has risen from 3.62 lakh hectares in 2024–25 to 3.91 lakh hectares in 2025–26, an increase of 0.29 lakh hectares — about an 8.01% rise year-on-year. Potato cultivation expanded from 0.35 lakh hectares to 0.43 lakh hectares, a gain of 0.08 lakh hectares — roughly 22.86% higher than last year. Officials said tomato area also increased, from 1.86 lakh hectares to 2.37 lakh hectares, and that sowing of these crops is “progressing smoothly and in line with targets.”
Chouhan reviewed crop conditions in flood-affected districts following his recent visits. While excessive rains damaged crops in some pockets, officials reported that many regions benefited from a good monsoon, which has strengthened crop growth and bodes well for timely and robust Rabi sowing.
The minister was also apprised that current rice and wheat stocks exceed prescribed buffer norms, indicating a stable supply situation. Reservoir storage across 161 major reservoirs stands at 103.51% of last year’s storage and 115% of the ten-year average, officials added — a favourable sign for irrigation and upcoming sowing.
On inputs, Chouhan directed close coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers to ensure uninterrupted and timely fertiliser supplies for the coming season. He asked officials to maintain continuous state-level coordination to accurately assess and meet fertiliser needs.
Officials closed the meeting emphasising that the increases in onion and potato acreage, alongside higher reservoir levels and sufficient foodgrain stocks, position the country well for the Rabi season and overall food security in 2025–26.
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