The area under kharif crops was 1054.97 lakh hectares till friday (22nd). Last year, during the same period, the area under crops was 1063.28 lakh hectares. Total area under crops is less than last year’s area. But the cotton crop has occupied more area. This year cotton has been cultivated on 121.72 lakh hectares of area in the country. Last year, during the same period area under cotton crop was 102.56 lakh hectares. The states like Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab and Gujarat have area under cotton cultivation. There is more increase in the area under cotton cultivation in the states of Telangana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Paddy crop has occupied 376.76 lakh hectares. Last year paddy crop area was 381.75 lakh hectares. Pulses crops are cultivated on 141 lakh hectares and coarse grains are cultivated on 185.35 lakh hectares, informed the agriculture ministry. The area under cultivation of oil seeds crops has decreased by 16 lakh hectares The area under cultivation of oil seeds crops is less than the last year by 16.41 lakh hectares. Last year, during the same period it was 189.45 lakh hectares. The area under cultivation of oil seeds crops has decreased, especially in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Chhatisgarh, Orissa, Punjab etc. Area under sugarcane is increased in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra The area under sugarcane has reached up to 49.95 lakh hectares. The area under sugarcane has increased as compared to the last year. Last year sugarcane was cultivated on 45.64 lakh hectares. The area under sugarcane has increased mainly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. On the other hand, it has been observed that area under sugarcane has decreased in the states of Tamilnadu and Karanataka. Reference- Agrowon 24th September17