Kharif Crop Area Changes: Paddy Acreage Down 16.37 Lakh Hectares, Turmeric Prices Near ₹21,400

Changes in the area under Kharif crops in the country this year will have a direct effect on your kitchen and the market in the coming months. As per statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, the area under paddy crop cultivation has witnessed the highest fall, from 438.19 lakh hectares to 421.82 lakh hectares. Rice production will definitely be affected.

The area under maize has fallen from 94.08 lakh hectares to 91.09 lakh hectares, which is an area decrease of 2.99 lakh hectares. The use of maize is not just limited to consumption but it is also widely used in the poultry and starch industries. Prices may increase if its availability within the country falls. Soybean acreage has also fallen from 122.98 lakh hectares to 121.82 lakh hectares.

While the acreage of major crops has declined, there is some reassuring news on the pulses, coarse grains, and oilseeds front. Black gram sowing has increased by 11.9% from 22.46 lakh hectares to 25.15 lakh hectares. Tur acreage has also increased from 44.93 lakh hectares to 45.66 lakh hectares. Additionally, the area under millet has increased from 6.287 million hectares to 6.486 million hectares, an increase of 1.99 million hectares, which will strengthen the availability of coarse grains.