Gujarat has experienced a remarkable surge in sowing activities during the current rabi season, with farmers expanding the cultivation of essential crops like wheat, gram, and maize. This increase in cultivation has been driven by the attractive prices these crops fetched last year. The rabi season, a critical period following the kharif harvest, is now in its final stages across the state.
Farmers in Gujarat have surpassed the average rabi sowing area of 46.43 lakh hectares seen over the past three years by already covering more than 44.74 lakh hectares this season, accounting for 96% of the usual area. The sowing process is still ongoing in some regions, indicating a potential further rise in total acreage in the upcoming weeks.
Wheat remains the dominant crop in rabi cultivation in Gujarat, with planting done across 13.24 lakh hectares this year, the highest among all rabi crops. Cereal crops, including wheat and maize, have collectively covered 14.83 lakh hectares so far, contributing significantly to India’s overall wheat production.
Moreover, pulses, especially gram, have shown substantial growth this season. Gram cultivation has increased by 13% compared to the previous year, reaching 8.47 lakh hectares. Overall, pulse crops have witnessed an 11% rise, encompassing 8.96 lakh hectares throughout the state.
Apart from these, the cultivation of other crops like spices and oilseeds has also seen a positive trend. Cumin cultivation has been carried out over 3.75 lakh hectares, while mustard cultivation has covered 2.78 lakh hectares. Notably, potato cultivation has seen an 18% increase in acreage, rising from 1.40 lakh hectares last year to 1.66 lakh hectares this season.
The rabi sowing activities are anticipated to continue until the final week of January. With a significant portion of land already under cultivation, Gujarat is poised to witness a substantial boost in agricultural output in the near future, further solidifying its role as a major contributor to India’s food grain and horticultural production.
