Rabi Crop sowing crosses 640 lakh hectares; wheat and pulses lead growth

India’s agricultural sector continues to demonstrate resilience as the total area sown under Rabi crops exceeded 640 lakh hectares this season, slightly higher than the 637.49 lakh hectares recorded during the corresponding period last year. The growth in wheat and pulses sowing has significantly contributed to this progress, showcasing the efforts of Indian farmers and government initiatives aimed at enhancing crop coverage.

Detailed Highlights:

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1. Total Rabi Crop Coverage

  • Total Area Sown: 640 lakh hectares (compared to 637.49 lakh hectares in 2023-24).

2. Key Crops Performance

  • Wheat:
    • Coverage increased to 320 lakh hectares from 315.63 lakh hectares last year.
    • Surpassed the normal area (312.35 lakh hectares) based on the last five years’ average.
  • Pulses:
    • Expanded to 141.69 lakh hectares, up from 139.29 lakh hectares in 2023-24.
    • Breakdown:
      • Gram: 98.28 lakh hectares (up from 95.87 lakh hectares).
      • Lentil: 17.43 lakh hectares (slightly lower than 17.76 lakh hectares).
      • Fieldpea: 8.94 lakh hectares (compared to 8.98 lakh hectares last year).
      • Urdbean: 5.12 lakh hectares (same as last year).
      • Moongbean: 1.21 lakh hectares (compared to 1.08 lakh hectares).
  • Shri Anna & Coarse Cereals:
    • Covered 54.49 lakh hectares, marginally lower than 54.63 lakh hectares last year.
    • Specific performance:
      • Maize: 22.90 lakh hectares, up from 21.32 lakh hectares.
      • Jowar: 23.95 lakh hectares, down from 25.76 lakh hectares.
      • Barley: 6.62 lakh hectares, slightly lower than 6.71 lakh hectares.
  • Oilseeds:
    • Declined to 97.62 lakh hectares from 101.80 lakh hectares last year.
    • Rapeseed and Mustard: 89.30 lakh hectares (down from 93.73 lakh hectares).

Significance:

  1. Wheat and Pulses Growth:
    • Increased wheat sowing reflects robust productivity expectations, ensuring adequate food grain supply for the country.
    • Higher pulses coverage aligns with government efforts to boost domestic production and reduce dependency on imports.
  2. Challenges in Oilseeds and Coarse Cereals:
    • The decline in oilseed acreage emphasizes the need for enhanced government incentives to promote cultivation.
    • Shri Anna & Coarse cereals require targeted initiatives to sustain farmer interest in these crucial crops.
  3. Government Support:
    • The increase in Rabi sowing reflects the success of various government schemes like PM-Kisan and targeted MSP hikes, ensuring timely assistance for farmers.