Gujarat Kharif Sowing Reaches 85% of Normal Average; Cotton and Groundnut Lead

Gandhinagar: Sowing activity for the ongoing Kharif season 2026 in Gujarat is nearing completion, with 72.47 lakh hectares, or around 85% of the state’s normal average sowing area, covered so far. Cotton and groundnut, two key crops in Gujarat’s agricultural economy, together account for more than 57% of the total area sown, an official release said.

As in previous years, cotton and groundnut remain the top choices among farmers this season. Cotton has been sown across the largest area of 21.22 lakh hectares, covering 89% of its normal sowing area. Groundnut follows with 20.41 lakh hectares, reaching 107% of its normal sowing area.

The state has also recorded strong sowing of soybean, groundnut and urad, with all three crops exceeding 100% of their respective normal sowing areas. Soybean has been sown across 3 lakh hectares, or 107% of its normal area, while urad has covered 84,510 hectares, or 103%.

Among other major crops, maize has been sown on 2.68 lakh hectares (95%), tur on 2.38 lakh hectares (93%), paddy on 7.61 lakh hectares (86%), bajra on 1.51 lakh hectares (84%), and vegetables on 2.17 lakh hectares (81%) of their respective normal sowing areas.

The total area under cereal crops has reached 11.99 lakh hectares, or 87% of the normal sowing area. Paddy accounts for the largest share at 7.61 lakh hectares, followed by maize at 2.68 lakh hectares. Jowar has been sown on 12,402 hectares, nearly double the 6,581 hectares recorded during the same period last year.

The total area under pulses stands at 3.57 lakh hectares, or 86% of the normal area. Tur accounts for 2.38 lakh hectares (93%), while urad has covered 84,510 hectares (103%). Moong has been sown on 25,301 hectares (45%), while moth bean (math) has covered 8,673 hectares (59%).

The area under oilseed crops has reached 25.93 lakh hectares, or 88% of the normal sowing area. Besides groundnut and soybean, castor has been sown across 2.38 lakh hectares, while sesame has covered 14,581 hectares.

Among other crops, fodder has been sown on 7.21 lakh hectares, reaching 71% of its normal area. Guar seed cultivation has covered 34,762 hectares, or 40% of the normal sowing area. DeshGujarat