Sowing operations for the Rabi season 2025–26 are progressing at a steady and satisfactory pace across the country. According to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as on January 2, 2026, the total area under Rabi crops has reached 634.14 lakh hectares. This is an increase of 16.4 lakh hectares compared to the corresponding period last year, reflecting strong farmer participation and largely favourable sowing conditions during the season.
Wheat sowing has shown notable improvement this season. The crop has been sown over 334.17 lakh hectares, compared to 328.04 lakh hectares during the same period last year. This marks an increase of 6.13 lakh hectares and represents the most significant rise among all Rabi crops.
The area Rabi rice has also expanded during the current season. As on January 2, 2026, rice has been sown over 17.57 lakh hectares, up from 14.90 lakh hectares in the corresponding period last year. This reflects a year-on-year increase of 2.67 lakh hectares.
The total area under pulse crops has increased to 134.30 lakh hectares, registering a growth of 3.44 lakh hectares over last year. Gram has recorded a particularly strong increase, with sowing reaching 95.88 lakh hectares up by 4.66 lakh hectares from the same period last season. Lentil has also seen a marginal rise. However, some pulses such as urd, kulthi and a few other minor pulse crops have reported a slight decline in area.
Positive Trend in Oilseeds:
Oilseed crops continue to show a positive trend this Rabi season. The total oilseed area has reached 96.30 lakh hectares, reflecting an increase of 3.04 lakh hectares over the previous year. Rapeseed and mustard have led this growth, with a strong rise of 2.79 lakh hectares. Safflower and linseed have also seen expansion, while groundnut and sesamum have reported a slight reduction in area.
Overall Positive Outlook for Rabi Season 2025–26:
Overall, the total area under Rabi crops stands at 634.14 lakh hectares, compared to 617.74 lakh hectares during the same period last year. The data clearly indicate that sowing progress during the Rabi 2025–26 season remains robust, supporting positive expectations for crop production in the coming month.
Q1. What is the total area under Rabi season sowing this year?
The total Rabi season sowing area is 634.14 lakh hectares as of January 2, 2026.
Q2. Which crop has shown the highest increase in sowing this Rabi season?
Wheat has recorded the highest increase, with 6.13 lakh hectares more than last year.
Q3. Has the area under pulse crops increased in Rabi season sowing?
Yes, pulse crops area has grown by 3.44 lakh hectares, with gram showing the sharpest rise.
Q4. What is the trend for oilseed crops this Rabi season?
Oilseed crops continue to show a positive trend, increasing by 3.04 lakh hectares.
Q5. What is Khetivyapar’s outlook on the Rabi season sowing?
Khetivyapar expects a strong crop production due to robust sowing progress and favorable conditions.
