The Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, has embarked on the agricultural sector

New -delhi, October 13 (IANS). The Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a high meeting on Monday to take the progress of the agricultural sector. During this, officials told the minister that the future of the agricultural sector was clear, as the area under the sowing of Kharif crops increased due to good monsoon. Officials said the level of reservoirs across the country has also increased, which will further improve irrigation facilities and crop production. In addition, the stock of rice and wheat in government warehouses is more than the buffer stock requirement and will help keep prices under control. A comprehensive assessment of the status of Kharif crops, preparations for Rabi sow, crop conditions in flood -driven areas, price trends, fertilizer availability and reservoir storage levels were made during the meeting. The Union Minister also issued the necessary instructions to the officials concerned during the meeting. Officials told the Union Minister that the total area under Kharif crops increased by 6.51 lakh hectare compared to last year. The total sowing area is 1,121,46 lakh hectare, while in 2024-25 1,114,95 lakh hectare. The meeting was notified that there was an increase in sowing large crops such as wheat, paddy, maize, sugar cane and pulses compared to last year. The area under Urad cultivation increased by 1.50 lakh hectare from 22.87 lakh hectare in 2024-25 to 24,37 lakh hectare in 2025-26. Officials further said that the sowing of tomato and onion runs smoothly. The area under onion cultivation increased from 3.62 lakh hectares to 3.91 lakh hectares in 2024-25, while the area increased from 0.35 lakh hectare to 0.43 lakh hectare. Similarly, the sowing of tomato increased from 1.86 lakh hectares in the same period last year to 2.37 lakh hectare this year. The meeting was notified that the sowing of potato, onion and tomato is progressing well and according to the set targets. The officials also told the minister that the current stock of rice and wheat exceeds the prescribed buffer norms, indicating a stable supply situation. In terms of water availability, officials said that the storage level of reservoirs across the country is much better than the average of the same period last year and the last decade. Water in 161 large reservoirs is 103.51 percent of the storage of last year and 115 percent of the average storage of ten years, indicating a positive outlook for agricultural productivity. The Union Minister also checked the availability of fertilizers and instructed the officials to ensure smooth and timely offer in the coming months. He ordered close coordination to the Ministry of Chemicals and fertilizers to be maintained to prevent any disruption. Officials told the Union Minister that continuous coordination at the states is maintained to judge and comply with the fertilizer requirements for the upcoming agricultural season. –Is PSK