In Marathwada, the sowing pattern for the Kharif season of 2025-26 has changed, with satisfactory sowing of cash crops like soybean and cotton. However, there has been a significant decline in traditional sugarcane and food grains. According to the latest report from the Regional Agriculture Deputy Director's office, farmers have made significant changes in crop patterns considering the changing climate and market conditions.
This year, the soybean area is record-breaking, with actual sowing occurring on 23.28 lakh hectares compared to the expected 22.98 lakh hectares, which is 101.31 percent. Soybean is a short-duration, low-production-cost cash crop with market demand, leading farmers to increase their focus on it. Cotton sowing was expected on 14.79 lakh hectares, but actually occurred on 11.87 lakh hectares, completing sowing on 80.29 percent of the area. Despite uncertainty in price increases, farmers have maintained traditional trust.
There has been a significant decline in traditional sugarcane cultivation, with only 9,480 hectares planted compared to 3.24 lakh hectares, which is just 2.93 percent of the area. Increased production costs, water scarcity, and market uncertainty have led to a large-scale avoidance of sugarcane selection. A similar situation is observed with sorghum. Out of 78,888 hectares, only 13,115 hectares have been sown, which is just 16.62 percent.
The maize area is 85,653 hectares, of which 35,382 hectares have been sown, which is 41.31 percent. Maize is a short-duration and high-yield crop, resulting in relatively stable sowing.
Among pulses, the situation of pigeon pea and urad is comparatively stable. Pigeon pea has been sown on 3.72 lakh hectares out of 4.45 lakh hectares (83.44 percent). The general area of urad is 1.44 lakh hectares, with sowing done on 1.17 lakh hectares, which is 81.07 percent.
In Marathwada, the total Kharif sowing (excluding sugarcane) has been done on 44.70 lakh hectares compared to the total area of 49.72 lakh hectares, which is 89.90 percent. The total food grain area is 11.69 lakh hectares, out of which sowing has been done on 9.43 lakh hectares, which is 80.72 percent.
This data clearly shows that farmers are now more inclined towards cash crops. The decline in traditional crops is due to climate uncertainty, water availability issues, and increased production costs.
Ultimately, farmers have recognized the impact of changing climate and market fluctuations. Therefore, they have decided to turn towards crops that are of shorter duration, less costly, and comparatively safer. The agriculture department has clarified the need to focus on organic farming, water conservation, crop diversity, and market stability in the future.