Crop plantation increases 5.7% to 111.36 million tonnes this year

New Delhi: Crop planting has increased 5.7% over last year to 111.36 million tonnes, led by a 10% rise in oilseeds area.

Area under rice has risen to 40.69 million hectares from 37.87 million hectares at this time last year.

“Focus is on expanding oilseeds area so that we gradually become self reliant in edible oil production also as we are in foodgrains. Significant rise in areas is reported in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharshtra,” said a senior agriculture ministry official.


Area under pulses has risen 4.74% while area under cotton is up 2%.

“We expect good harvest of all crops. Even areas under coarse cereals like maize, ragi and bajra have seen significant rise. This will boost the government’s plan to export nutri-cereals, which are in great demand at global markets after Covid-19 pandemic,” the official said.