India has recorded significant progress in rabi crop sowing during the 2025–26 season. According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the total rabi crop coverage reached 61.43 million hectares as of December 26, 2025, marking an increase of 0.687 million hectares compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects improving seasonal conditions and sustained momentum in rabi farming.
Pulses have emerged as a key driver of growth in the current rabi season. The overall area under pulses increased by 0.365 million hectares. Notably, chickpea recorded a substantial rise of 0.466 million hectares, indicating a growing preference among farmers for pulse cultivation. Lentil acreage also registered a marginal increase during the period.
Wheat, the country’s primary rabi crop, has been sown over 32.27 million hectares, remaining largely stable compared to the corresponding period last year. Meanwhile, rabi rice acreage increased by 0.189 million hectares, showing steady expansion.
Shree Anna and Coarse Cereals: The total sown area under Shree Anna and coarse cereals stood at 4.9 million hectares. Crops such as barley and maize witnessed moderate growth, while sorghum (jowar) recorded a slight decline in coverage.
Oilseeds also reported a positive trend, with total coverage reaching 9.429 million hectares, an increase of 0.104 million hectares over last year. Mustard and rapeseed together saw a notable rise of 0.123 million hectares, although groundnut acreage declined marginally.
Overall Outlook Remains Positive: Overall, the total rabi crop coverage stood at 61.43 million hectares, compared to 60.74 million hectares during the same period last year. The upward trend highlights growing farmer confidence, favorable weather conditions, and improved agricultural management practices, pointing towards a promising rabi season.
