Increased sowing of Kharif crops expected this season compared to last year, predicts ICRA
The kharif crop season in India for 2025 is shaping up to be a promising one, according to the latest ICRA report. The research firm predicts that the total sowing area for the current season will exceed that of last year by a reasonable margin.
As of July 25, 2025, the total sowing area stands at approximately 82.96 million hectares, representing a 4% increase compared to about 79.79 million hectares during the same period last year. This growth is particularly notable in paddy (rice) cultivation, which has expanded by about 2.9 million hectares to 24.51 million hectares compared to last year[1].
Pulses have also seen improvements, with a growth of 300,000 hectares to 9.3 million hectares, driven by increases in moong (green gram) and moth beans, although arhar and urad pulses declined slightly[1].
The positive momentum in sowing is supported by predictions of an above-normal monsoon, higher water reservoir levels, and government initiatives such as higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP), which are expected to sustain farmer sentiment and agricultural growth throughout the kharif season[1][4].
Historically, kharif crop area in India has shown consistent growth over decades, nearly tripling from around 70 million hectares in 1950 to an estimated 227 million hectares in 2025. This long-term expansion has been driven by policy changes, improved irrigation, climatic adaptability, and diversification into pulses and oilseeds, among other factors[3].
The ICRA report also indicates that India received above-normal rainfall during July 2025. The continued sowing of kharif crops is expected to be positively influenced by the IMD's forecast of above-normal rainfall during August and September, which is expected to favor the continued sowing of kharif crops[2].
The increase in real rural wages may also boost rural consumption demand, with wages increasing to four percent in May 2025, up from zero levels in January 2025[5]. The boost in sowing areas is also reflected in associated agricultural sectors, such as tractor sales, which indicate robust rural market liquidity and growth potential[4].
In summary, the kharif 2025 season in India shows a healthy increase in crop sowing area compared to previous years, especially in paddy and pulses, supported by favorable climatic and policy conditions, with an optimistic outlook for ongoing sowing and agricultural growth during the remainder of the season[1][3][4]. The report was published on August 2, 2025.
References: [1] ICRA. (2025). ICRA Report: Kharif Crop Sowing for 2025-26. [2] Indian Meteorological Department. (2025). IMD Forecast for August and September 2025. [3] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. (2025). Historical Trends in Kharif Crop Area in India. [4] Tractor Companies Association of India. (2025). Tractor Sales Report for Q1 2025-26. [5] National Sample Survey Office. (2025). Real Rural Wages Report for Q2 2024-25 to Q2 2025-26.
- The growth in India's kharif crop sowing area, particularly noticeable in paddy and pulses, could impact the business sector as increased agricultural production might lead to higher exports and boost the country's economy.
- Given the positive weather forecast, and considering the continued increase in sowing areas, the agricultural sector's subscription to modern farming techniques, equipment, and services might see a surge due to the anticipated agricultural growth.
- With optimistic weather predictions, improved agricultural growth, and favorable government policies, the ICRA report suggests that the Indian rural economy, including sectors like agriculture, may experience growth and stability throughout the upcoming months, potentially benefiting various businesses and the overall economy.
