Paddy, pulses acreage has increased this kharif season: Centre, Pg12

• Paddy acreage rose by 3.44 lakh hectares, reaching 32.02 lakh hectares in 2024-25 from 28.57 lakh hectares last year.

• Pulses acreage increased by 2.20 lakh hectares, notably in moong and urad cultivation.

• Sowing of onion and potato also surged, indicating better crop diversification trends.

• No impact of heatwave reported on wheat harvest; foodgrain stock exceeds buffer norms.

• Reservoir water storage is better than previous year, at 117% of the same time average.

Water Storage & Climate Conditions

• Water availability in 161 major reservoirs is at 117% of last year and 114% of 10-year average.

• No adverse heatwave effect reported on wheat; favorable for overall kharif sowing.

• Indicates robust food security and supply-side stability.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved

• Buffer Stock: Minimum quantity of foodgrains (rice, wheat) maintained by FCI for food security and price stabilization.

• Cropping Season – Kharif: Sown with the beginning of the monsoon (June-July) and harvested in Sept-Oct.

• Reservoir Water Index: An indicator of irrigation potential; closely linked to kharif sowing success.

Significance

• Reflects resilience in agriculture amidst climatic concerns.

• Enhanced acreage and reservoir levels reduce food inflation risk and ensure input optimization for Rabi crops.

• Positive trend for agricultural GDP growth and rural income enhancement.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the importance of timely sowing and adequate water storage in ensuring food security in India. Illustrate your answer with recent trends from the 2024-25 kharif season.