By Prabhudatta

Copyright thehindubusinessline

Uttar Pradesh, the top producer of rice, sugarcane and second biggest grower of jowar during the kharif season, has seen a significant jump of 14 lakh hectares (lh) area mainly due to farmers’ preference towards rice and bajra (millet).

As there has been no major report of crop damage from Uttar Pradesh, the State is expected to harvest bumper rice and some other crops due to favourable weather this year.

The total area has reached 138.40 lh until Sept 5, which is 11 per cent higher from 124.39 lh a year ago. The current area is more than 20 per cent higher from the State’s normal (past five years’ average) coverage of 115.20 lh.

Among the major gainers, paddy (including basmati) area has increased 13.5 per cent to 71.05 lh, data show. This is one of the highest expansion among States as the all-India paddy acreage has a lead of 4.7 per cent until September 5.

Sugarcane down a tad

But, the second biggest crop (area wise) sugarcane in the state has reported marginal decline at 27.05 lh from 27.25 lh.

The area under bajra has seen a 34 per cent surge to 11.11 lh, whereas maize acreage has jumped 5.8 per cent to 8.20 lh. Jowar area, too, has increased 15.3 per cent to 3.09 lh.

Farmers in Uttar Pradesh have also responded to the Centre’s call to expand area under pulses and oilseeds as tur (pigeon pea) acreage is up 5 per cent at 3.79 lh, urad by 1.3 per cent at 4.63 lh, groundnut by 32.3 per cent at 3.56 lh and sesamum (til) by 24.4 per cent at 4.39 lh.

Commenting on the higher area and its impact on production, a former principal secretary of agriculture in Uttar Pradesh said unlike in the past, farmers in the State are realising higher rates than other States since last 5-6 years. He attributed the marketing reforms as a key factor for the better farmgate rates and added that farmers are also diversifying to crops where returns are assured and steady.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) data show that Uttar Pradesh has received 649.9 mm rainfall between June 1 and September 9, which is 1 per cent below normal of 653.3 mm. The main agricultural belt of western Uttar Pradesh has received 20 per cent surplus rainfall, while eastern parts of the State is 13 per cent deficient.

Published on September 9, 2025