The wheat matures soon in West Coast New Area in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, on May 24, 2025. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NEW DELHI. Rabi crop sowing has crossed 634.05 lakh hectares during the current winter season. This marks a significant increase compared to 620.62 lakh hectares during the same period last year. The Ministry of Agriculture released these latest figures today. Favorable monsoon rains and a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) have motivated farmers to expand their cultivation. This trend signals a robust harvest for the upcoming season.
Wheat Leads the Surge in Rabi Crop Sowing
Wheat remains the primary driver of the current agricultural momentum. Farmers have sown wheat across 325.35 lakh hectares so far. This is an increase of roughly 12 lakh hectares from the previous year. Major wheat-producing states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab report healthy crop conditions. The government’s decision to hike MSP has provided the necessary financial incentive for this expansion.
Furthermore, the acreage for oilseeds has seen a positive uptick. Sowing for rapeseed and mustard has reached 95.23 lakh hectares. This growth helps India move toward self-reliance in edible oil production. Better soil moisture levels following the extended monsoon have created ideal conditions for these crops. Farmers in Rajasthan and Haryana have utilized these conditions to maximize their output.
Pulse and Coarse Cereal Trends
The data also shows steady progress in pulse cultivation. Total pulse sowing has reached 145.21 lakh hectares. Gram (chana) continues to be the most popular pulse among Indian farmers. Additionally, coarse cereals like jowar and bajra have covered 48.26 lakh hectares. These crops are vital for food security in rain-fed regions.
Additionally, the government continues to provide technical support to farmers. Distributed seeds and fertilizers have reached most blocks ahead of time. Modern irrigation techniques are also helping to conserve the abundant groundwater. Most analysts expect this season’s total production to break previous records.
Rabi crop sowing progress reflects the resilience of the Indian agricultural sector. With temperatures remaining favorable for wheat, the outlook for the winter harvest is exceptionally bright. The government remains committed to supporting farmers through timely procurement and fair pricing.
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