Total summer crop coverage rises by 3.07 lakh hectares over last year as pulses and coarse cereals continue strong momentum

India’s summer crop sowing has continued to gain momentum, with total cultivated area reaching 83.08 lakh hectares as of May 8, 2026, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

The overall summer sowing area is now 3.07 lakh hectares higher compared to the corresponding period last year, driven primarily by increased acreage under pulses, oilseeds and Shree Anna (millets) along with coarse cereals.

While rice acreage remained lower than last year’s levels, crops such as blackgram, maize and groundnut registered significant gains, reflecting continued diversification in India’s agricultural production pattern.

Key Highlights

• Total summer crop sowing reaches 83.08 lakh hectares
• Overall acreage rises by 3.07 lakh hectares over last year
• Pulses sowing increases by 1.21 lakh hectares
• Coarse cereals and Shree Anna acreage up by 1.77 lakh hectares
• Oilseeds coverage rises by 1.47 lakh hectares
• Maize sowing jumps by 1.50 lakh hectares
• Groundnut acreage increases by 1.31 lakh hectares
• Rice area declines marginally by 1.36 lakh hectares

Pulses Continue Strong Expansion

Summer pulses coverage increased to 24.97 lakh hectares, compared to 23.76 lakh hectares during the same period last year.

Among pulse crops, blackgram recorded the sharpest growth, with acreage rising to 4.60 lakh hectares from 3.58 lakh hectares last year. Greengram sowing also showed a marginal increase.

The higher pulses acreage is expected to support India’s growing demand for plant-based proteins, packaged foods and institutional foodservice supply chains.

Maize and Millets Maintain Upward Trend

Shree Anna and coarse cereals together reached 16.01 lakh hectares, maintaining strong year-on-year growth.

Maize remained the biggest contributor in the segment, with sowing increasing to 10 lakh hectares against 8.50 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year.

Bajra and ragi also registered moderate gains, indicating sustained policy and market support for millet cultivation amid rising consumer demand for healthier grains.

The expansion in millet and maize acreage could further strengthen supply for food processing, hospitality and health-focused retail segments.

Oilseeds Register Robust Growth

Oilseed coverage rose to 11.04 lakh hectares from 9.58 lakh hectares last year.

Groundnut led the growth with acreage expanding to 5.51 lakh hectares, while sunflower and sesamum cultivation also recorded moderate increases.

The rise in oilseed sowing is expected to support edible oil supply chains and raw material availability for India’s food manufacturing and snack industries.

Rice Acreage Sees Slight Dip

Rice sowing stood at 31.05 lakh hectares, lower than 32.42 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year.

Despite the marginal decline, rice continues to remain the largest summer crop by acreage.

The Agriculture Ministry stated that the figures are based on progressive sowing reports received from states and union territories.