Q: Which GS Paper does Economy & Development fall under for UPSC?

Economy & Development topics are covered under UPSC General Studies in the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus. Current affairs on Economy & Development are regularly tested in UPSC examinations and require understanding of both policy dimensions and current developments.

Q: How is this current affair relevant for UPSC Mains answer writing?

For UPSC Mains, "Progress of area coverage under Kharif crops as on 12.09.2025" can be linked to General Studies questions on Economy & Development. Focus on the causes, government response, challenges, and way forward. Use data points and connect it with relevant schemes and constitutional provisions for a high-scoring Mains answer.

Recent PIB data (12 Sep 2025) shows total Kharif area sown at 1,095.88 lakh ha, with notable increases in rice, coarse cereals and maize, but declines in oilseeds and cotton. These trends are crucial for GS‑2 preparation, offering factual inputs for Prelims and analytical angles for Mains on agricultural diversification, food security and policy effectiveness.

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Progress of area coverage under Kharif crops as on 12.09.2025 Posted On: 15 SEP 2025 5:55PM by PIB Delhi The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released progress of area coverage under kharif crops as on 12th September 2025. Area: In lakh hectare S. No. Crop Normal Area (2019-20 to 2023-24) Area Sown Increase(+)/Decrease(-) over 2024-25 2025 - 26 2024-25 1 Rice 403.09 438.51 430.06 8.45 2 Pulses 129.61 118.06 117.25 0.81 a Tur 44.71 45.81 46.26 -0.45 b Kulthi 1.72 0.52 0.38 0.15 c Urad 32.64 23.66 22.14 1.51 d Moong 35.69 34.54 34.86 -0.32 e Other Pulses 5.15 4.30 3.98 0.32 f Moth Bean 9.70 9.23 9.63 -0.40 3 Coarse Cereals 180.71 192.91 180.75 12.17 a Jowar 15.07 14.07 14.14 -0.07 b Bajra 70.69 68.44 68.07 0.37 c Ragi 11.52 10.24 9.82 0.42 d Maize 78.95 94.84 84.30 10.54 e Other Small Millets 4.48 5.31 4.42 0.90 4 Oilseeds 194.63 188.81 193.93 -5.12 a Groundnut 45.10 47.99 47.65 0.34 b Sesamum 10.32 10.27 10.86 -0.59 c Sunflower 1.29 0.68 0.71 -0.03 d Soybean 127.19 120.43 126.24 -5.81 e Niger Seed 1.08 0.87 0.76 0.11 f Castor Seed 9.65 8.52 7.64 0.87 g Other Oilseeds 0.06 0.07 -0.01 5 Sugarcane 52.51 57.31 55.68 1.64 6 Jute and Mesta 6.60 5.56 5.74 -0.18 7 Cotton 129.50 109.64 112.48 -2.85 Total 1096.65 1110.80 1095.88 14.92 37.39 ****** RC/KSR/AR (Release ID: 2166839)

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