How has area for that crop changed over 10 years?

Over the last decade, the area under many traditional crops has shown shifts due to climate change, irrigation access, and market prices. For example, the area under wheat and rice has remained relatively stable, but crops like pulses, maize, and oilseeds have expanded in semi-arid regions. 

Farmers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh shifted towards soybean and maize because of higher profitability and lower water demand. Conversely, sugarcane and cotton areas have fluctuated due to droughts and fluctuating government support prices. 

In some eastern states, small farmers have diversified toward horticultural crops such as onions, potatoes, and vegetables because they provide faster returns. Government missions such as the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) encouraged diversification and area expansion in high-value crops. 

Overall, while India’s net cropped area has not expanded drastically, the composition of crops within it has changed, reflecting evolving market trends, technology adoption, and the need for water-efficient cropping systems.