|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rabi sowing in India shows robust growth with 18.24 lakh hectare increase
|
|
Saturday, 31 January, 2026, 15 : 00 PM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, New Delhi
|
The Government of India’s latest data on the Rabi sowing season reveals a healthy and steady expansion in crop coverage across the country, reinforcing positive signs for the upcoming harvest season. As of 23 January 2026, the total progressive area covered under Rabi crops stood at 660.48 lakh hectares, reflecting an increase of 18.24 lakh hectares compared with the corresponding period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
Key nutritional and cash crops have shown significant gains. Pulses saw notable growth of 3.61 lakh hectares, while Gram — a major pulse crop — recorded an increase of 4.66 lakh hectares over last year’s coverage. Among other pulse varieties, lentil acreage expanded modestly, further contributing to the overall positive trend.
Wheat, India’s staple cereal, also registered an increase in area coverage with 334.17 lakh hectares sown, up from 328.04 lakh hectares in the previous year, underscoring farmers’ confidence in Rabi planting conditions. Besides cereals, oilseeds coverage expanded by 3.45 lakh hectares, supported by higher sowing in rapeseed and mustard — key sources of edible oil in the country.
Coarse cereals such as maize and barley contributed to the broader expansion, although some crops like jowar and small millets showed regional fluctuations in coverage. Other pulses like urdbean and moongbean experienced marginal dips in area, reflecting shifting crop preferences and sowing choices among farmers based on market signals and input availability.
The increase in Rabi acreage is being viewed as a positive indicator for India’s agricultural output ahead of the harvest season, potentially supporting rural incomes and foodgrain stocks. With continued government support and favourable weather conditions so far, this year’s Rabi crop progression is progressing well compared to the previous year’s sowing cycle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|