Rabi sowing sees a surge! This year, farmers have sown a record-breaking 208.19 million hectares.

Rabi sowing across the country has gained strong momentum this season. According to the latest data released by the Agriculture Department, the total sown area under Rabi crops had reached 208.19 lakh hectares by 11 November, marking an increase of 19.46 lakh hectares compared to the same period last year. The figures indicate a remarkable rise in the sowing of pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals (Shri Anna), signalling a robust start to the Rabi season.

Sharp Increase in Pulse Cultivation:

As per the area coverage report, the total sown area under pulses has risen to 52.82 lakh hectares, up from 48.93 lakh hectares last year—an increase of 3.88 lakh hectares. This growth has largely been driven by major crops such as:

• Chickpea (Chana): 37.43 lakh hectares (an increase of 3.39 lakh hectares)
• Lentil (Masoor): 6.83 lakh hectares (an increase of 0.74 lakh hectares)
• Field Pea: 4.75 lakh hectares (an increase of 0.51 lakh hectares)

Although slight declines have been observed in crops like urad, moong and lathyrus, the overall area under pulses has increased significantly.

Millets and Coarse Cereals Also Show Growth:

The total area under coarse cereals (Shri Anna) has expanded to 15.53 lakh hectares, registering a rise of 2.04 lakh hectares from last year.

Key contributors to this growth include:

• Jowar (Sorghum): 8.82 lakh hectares
• Maize: 4.26 lakh hectares

Ragi, barley and small millets have also shown commendable progress in sowing this season.

Oilseed Cultivation Records Positive Growth:

The area under oilseed crops has risen to 66.17 lakh hectares, indicating a year-on-year increase of 3.24 lakh hectares.

The largest contribution has come from:

• Rapeseed & Mustard: 64.23 lakh hectares (a jump of 3.71 lakh hectares)

Sunflower and safflower have shown marginal improvement, while slight declines were observed in groundnut, sesame and linseed.

Wheat and Rice Sowing Status:

• Wheat sowing has increased significantly, reaching 66.23 lakh hectares, a rise of 9.68 lakh hectares from last year.
• Rabi rice has been sown across 7.44 lakh hectares, which is 0.62 lakh hectares higher than last year’s figure.

Overall, the total Rabi sown area has climbed to 208.19 lakh hectares, substantially higher than 188.73 lakh hectares recorded during the same period in 2024–25.

Sowing Activity Expected to Gain Further Pace: The Agriculture Department anticipates a further acceleration in sowing over the coming weeks, provided winter weather conditions remain stable. The increased share of pulses, oilseeds and millets positions this Rabi season as highly promising for the agricultural sector.

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