Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reviews Kharif Progress; Favourable Weather Boosts Crop Outlook
29 October 2025, New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, conducted a review of the progress achieved in the agriculture sector, highlighting that favorable monsoon conditions and adequate water availability have significantly benefited farming activities across the country. He said that the timely and well-distributed rainfall this year has improved soil moisture, supported timely sowing, and strengthened prospects for both Kharif and Rabi crops.
During the review meeting, Minister Chouhan noted that Kharif 2025 has recorded a successful sowing season, with paddy acreage reaching 441.58 lakh hectares, higher than last year. The area under oilseeds, primarily soybean and groundnut, has expanded to 190.13 lakh hectares, while pulses have covered 120.41 lakh hectares, contributing to the nation’s nutritional security. Sugarcane cultivation has also increased, with 59.07 lakh hectares under the crop, offering direct economic benefits to cane growers.
Agriculture Commissioner Dr. P.K. Singh informed that water availability in reservoirs and irrigation projects has improved considerably this year, facilitating agricultural growth even in irrigation-dependent regions. The total water storage in 161 major reservoirs has reached 165.58 billion cubic meters (BCM), which is 104.30 percent of last year’s level and 115.95 percent of the ten-year average. This improvement in water storage has ensured sufficient irrigation for Kharif crops and will support the ongoing Rabi sowing season.
It was also reported that harvesting of Kharif crops has begun in several regions, with nearly 27 percent of the total Kharif area harvested so far. Rabi sowing has commenced in some areas and is currently in the initial phase. The condition of key horticultural crops, including onion, potato, and tomato, remains satisfactory, while rice and wheat stocks are above the buffer norms, ensuring food security and price stability.
Minister Chouhan stated that the combination of a favorable monsoon, improved reservoir levels, effective planning, and adoption of digital technologies has led to remarkable progress in Indian agriculture. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government’s farmer-centric policies are enhancing the income levels of farmers and contributing to national food security.
Looking ahead to the Rabi season, the Minister said that the Central Government, in coordination with the States, will continue to support farmers to expand the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds and achieve higher productivity levels. He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the Union Cabinet’s recent approval of ₹38,000 crore towards fertilizer subsidy, describing it as a timely decision that will ensure the availability of fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices.
Minister Chouhan concluded that the current progress in agriculture reflects the resilience and strength of India’s farming community, supported by conducive weather conditions, government initiatives, and efficient management of resources.
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