Context:
- The Union government has reported a significant rise in acreage under paddy and pulses during the 2024–25 Kharif season, reflecting favourable monsoon conditions and improved water availability.
- The development is relevant to GS Paper 3 (Agriculture, Economy, Food Security) and GS Paper 1 (Indian Geography – Cropping Patterns, Monsoon Dependence).
- The announcement comes amid concerns over climate variability, food inflation, and supply-side stability.
Key Highlights:
Crop Acreage Trends (2024–25 Kharif)
- Paddy acreage increased by 3.44 lakh hectares, reaching 32.02 lakh hectares, compared to 28.57 lakh hectares in the previous year.
- Pulses acreage rose by 2.20 lakh hectares, with major gains in:
- Moong
- Urad
- Horticultural crops also saw expansion:
- Increased sowing of onion and potato, indicating early signs of crop diversification.
Water Storage and Climatic Conditions
- Water storage in 161 major reservoirs stands at:
- 117% of last year’s level
- 114% of the 10-year average
- Adequate reservoir levels improve:
- Irrigation potential
- Stability of kharif sowing operations
- No adverse impact of heatwaves reported on the wheat harvest, ensuring smooth transition from Rabi to Kharif cycle.
Food Security and Buffer Position
- Foodgrain stocks exceed buffer norms, providing:
- Price stabilisation capacity
- Cushion against climatic or market shocks
- Indicates robust supply-side preparedness by the government.
Scientific / Technical Concepts Involved:
- Buffer Stock:
- Minimum quantity of rice and wheat maintained by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to ensure food security and manage price volatility.
- Kharif Cropping Season:
- Sowing begins with southwest monsoon (June–July) and harvesting occurs during September–October.
- Reservoir Water Index:
- Reflects irrigation potential and is a key determinant of kharif crop success, especially in rainfed regions.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Agricultural resilience amid climatic uncertainty.
- Crops Showing Increase: Paddy, pulses (moong, urad), onion, potato.
- Government Indicators:
- Reservoir storage levels
- Foodgrain buffer stock norms
- Benefits:
- Reduced risk of food inflation
- Enhanced availability of cereals and protein-rich pulses
- Challenges:
- Continued monsoon dependence
- Regional disparities in irrigation access
- Impact:
- Stable food supply
- Improved farmer confidence during kharif sowing.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Economic Significance:
- Higher acreage supports agricultural GDP growth and rural income enhancement.
- Food Security Dimension:
- Adequate buffer stocks combined with strong kharif output strengthen national food security.
- Geographical Factors:
- Monsoon performance and reservoir storage directly influence India’s cropping patterns.
- Governance Aspect:
- Effective monitoring of acreage, water resources, and food stocks reflects improved agricultural management.
- Way Forward:
- Promote crop diversification toward pulses and oilseeds.
- Strengthen irrigation efficiency and micro-irrigation coverage.
- Climate-resilient seed varieties and real-time weather advisories.
Balanced procurement to avoid cereal overdependence while encouraging nutrition security.