₹38,000 Cr Fertiliser Boost and Bumper Kharif Sowing Signal Strong Farm Growth

In a major announcement underscoring the government's commitment to farmers and food security, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has extended heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for approving a ₹38,000 crore fertiliser subsidy. The subsidy, sanctioned during a recent Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, is expected to provide critical support to India's farming community, especially in the context of rising global input prices.

This financial allocation will help ensure that quality fertilisers continue to be available to farmers at affordable rates, thereby sustaining high crop productivity during the ongoing Kharif 2025 season and upcoming Rabi season.

Kharif 2025: Record Sowing Reflects Agricultural Resilience

During a high-level review chaired by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the progress of Kharif 2025 sowing was reported to be highly satisfactory, backed by favourable climatic conditions and strong government support. The total sown area for paddy has reached 441.58 lakh hectares, surpassing the figures recorded last year, indicating robust performance in India's primary food grain segment.

Key highlights from the Kharif 2025 sowing data:

• Oilseeds: Sown on 190.13 lakh hectares, with soybean and groundnut leading the acreage

• Pulses: Sown on 120.41 lakh hectares, supporting nutritional security and reducing import dependence

• Sugarcane: Area stands at 59.07 lakh hectares, ensuring strong support for the sugar industry and associated livelihoods

These figures signal a positive outlook for the agricultural economy, especially with crop diversification continuing to gain ground through pulses and oilseed cultivation.

Favourable Monsoon and Water Availability Driving Growth

One of the standout factors in this year's successful sowing has been the timely and adequate monsoon, which not only facilitated early planting but also ensured sustained soil moisture levels, crucial for crop development.

According to a report presented by Agriculture Commissioner Dr. P.K. Singh, 161 major reservoirs across the country currently hold 165.58 billion cubic metres (BCM) of live water storage — this is 104.3% of last year's level and 115.95% of the 10-year average.

This surplus reservoir capacity ensures:

• Sufficient irrigation water for both Kharif harvesting and Rabi sowing

• Better management of water-intensive crops like sugarcane and paddy

• Improved prospects for expanding area under winter crops (Rabi), particularly wheat, mustard, gram, and lentils

Crop Outlook and Food Reserves: Stable and Promising

The review also noted that the harvesting of Kharif crops has begun, with around 27% of the total area already covered. Early harvesting reports indicate good yield quality, and the supply situation for critical vegetables — onions, potatoes, and tomatoes — remains stable across the country.

Simultaneously, Rabi sowing has already commenced in some northern and central states, facilitated by favourable soil moisture and strong post-monsoon water availability.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has confirmed that current stock levels of rice and wheat exceed the minimum buffer norms, ensuring food security and price stability in the upcoming months.

Digital Innovations and Efficient Planning Boosting Farmer Outcomes

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised the combined impact of:

• Weather-responsive planning

• Technological integration in sowing, irrigation, and crop monitoring

• Centre–State coordination for timely delivery of agri-inputs

He remarked that these systemic reforms and investments under PM Narendra Modi's leadership are helping India's farmers achieve record-breaking productivity, while improving incomes and building resilience against climate shocks.

Shri Chouhan emphasized that the Central Government is committed to promoting greater productivity in pulses and oilseeds during the upcoming Rabi season, a crucial step toward ensuring self-sufficiency in edible oils and achieving nutritional security for all.

Toward an Atmanirbhar Agriculture Sector

India's agriculture sector is witnessing a historic transformation, with better sowing coverage, resource-efficient practices, and sustained government backing. The ₹38,000 crore fertiliser subsidy, coupled with excellent Kharif performance and optimistic Rabi outlook, marks a major stride toward realizing Atmanirbhar Krishi — a vision of self-reliant, sustainable, and farmer-led agricultural growth.