The total area sown under rabi crops this winter has expanded by 8.11 lakh hectares to reach 580.70 lakh hectares as of December 19 this year, up from 572.59 lakh hectares during the same period last year. This increase is anticipated to enhance production, leading to higher farmer incomes and aiding in controlling food inflation.
Official data reveals that the area dedicated to wheat cultivation has increased to 301.63 lakh hectares from 300.34 lakh hectares in the corresponding period last year. Additionally, the area under pulses like Urd, Lentils (Masur), and Moong has risen by 3.72 lakh hectares to 126.74 lakh hectares from 123.02 lakh hectares last year.
Moreover, the area allocated for coarse cereals and millets such as jowar, bajra, and ragi has grown by 0.61 lakh hectares to 45.66 lakh hectares this season compared to 45.05 lakh hectares in the previous year. Similarly, the area under oilseeds like rapeseed and mustard has expanded by 0.68 lakh hectares to 93.33 lakh hectares from 92.65 lakh hectares last year.
The increase in sown area this season is attributed to favorable monsoon rains that have facilitated sowing in unirrigated regions, which constitute nearly half of the country’s farmland. Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved an increase in the minimum support prices (MSP) for all mandated rabi crops for the 2026-27 marketing season on October 1 this year to ensure profitable prices for farmers.
