Strong Start to Summer Pulse Season as Sowing Surges Ahead of Last Year

Planting activity for India’s summer pulse crops has accelerated noticeably in the past week, as reflected in the most recent data published by the agriculture department.

As of April 17, the total area sown under pulses stood at approximately 1.547 million hectares. This represents a significant rise compared to 1.349 million hectares recorded during the same period last year, indicating stronger planting progress this season. At this point, about 57% of the projected total acreage for summer pulses has already been covered, suggesting that sowing operations are advancing at a steady pace.

Among the various crops, green gram (mung bean) continues to dominate in terms of area coverage. Planting of green gram is estimated at around 1.173 million hectares, up from 1.069 million hectares reported at the same time last year. Similarly, black gram (urad or black matpe) has witnessed a substantial increase in sowing, with the area expanding to nearly 345,000 hectares, compared to 261,000 hectares a year earlier.

In addition to these major crops, other pulses have also seen some growth in coverage. Approximately 30,000 hectares have been planted under these crops so far, rising from about 18,000 hectares during the corresponding period last year. Overall, the data points to a broad-based improvement in pulse sowing activity across the country.

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