The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare reported that wheat cultivation during the ongoing Rabi season has risen notably, with the sown area reaching 319.74 lakh hectares, a 2.15% increase from the previous year. In contrast, oilseeds have declined by 5.14%, with the area reducing to 96.15 lakh hectares. Wheat remains the primary winter crop, typically sown in November and harvested between March and April.
The Agriculture Ministry's data, released on December 30, indicates that pulses cultivation has remained relatively stable at 136.13 lakh hectares. Among pulses, gram accounted for 93.98 lakh hectares, while lentil covered 17.43 lakh hectares. Coarse cereals recorded a slight increase in area, growing from 47.77 lakh hectares to 48.55 lakh hectares.
In contrast, oilseeds faced a reduction in sown area, dropping from 101.37 lakh hectares last year to 96.15 lakh hectares. Rapeseed and mustard cultivation declined to 88.50 lakh hectares, down from 93.73 lakh hectares. Groundnut oilseed cultivation remained steady at 3.32 lakh hectares, maintaining last year’s level.
The total area under Rabi crop cultivation has surpassed 614 lakh hectares as of December 30, 2024. This includes 319.74 lakh hectares for wheat, 136.13 lakh hectares for pulses, 48.55 lakh hectares for coarse cereals, and 96.15 lakh hectares for oilseeds.
These figures reflect the ongoing trends in Rabi crop sowing, showcasing a mixed pattern of growth and decline across different crop categories.
