Marginal Rise in Zaid Crop Area Highlights Potential Growth

The area sown to zaid crops has marginally increased to 69.06 lakh hectares, with rice, pulses, and oilseeds seeing notable coverage. This growth reflects a strategic shift toward maximizing the 90-day window between rabi and kharif seasons. Expansion could continue with enhanced irrigation and better management of stray animals.

The agriculture ministry has reported a slight increase in the total area sown to zaid crops, which has reached 69.06 lakh hectares this year.

Most of the coverage involves paddy, with significant areas also sown to pulses and oilseeds. Summer-season zaid crops are planted between February and June, fitting between the winter and monsoon growing periods.

Experts suggest further expansion is possible with better irrigation infrastructure and solutions to the stray animal problem that affects some states.