Sat Apr 19 13:41:28 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Aims for Bumper Harvest with Increased Sowing Target
**Bengaluru, April 19, 2025** – Karnataka’s Department of Agriculture has set ambitious targets for the upcoming kharif season, aiming to capitalize on the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) above-normal rainfall forecast. The department plans to sow crops across 82.5 lakh hectares, focusing on food grains like paddy, jowar, and ragi to achieve a food production target of 111.41 lakh tonnes. Oilseeds and commercial crops like cotton and sugarcane will also be cultivated across 8.62 lakh hectares and 15.12 lakh hectares, respectively.
For the entire 2025-26 year, the target is even more significant: sowing across 85.21 lakh hectares to achieve a total foodgrain production of 148.48 lakh tonnes. This builds on a successful 2024-25, which saw a total food production of 135.32 lakh tonnes.
The department recently held a workshop to prepare for the season, emphasizing timely seed and fertilizer distribution. Officials are optimistic that pre-monsoon showers will boost yields and allow for double cropping in some areas, reducing reliance on groundwater and energy consumption for irrigation.
Karnataka’s agricultural success extends beyond the upcoming season. The state received national recognition, securing first rank in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for 2023-24. Haveri and Koppal districts also received individual awards for their innovative approaches to implementing the scheme.
First Piper 