Rabi Sowing Crosses 208 Lakh Hectares; Pulses, Oilseeds and Coarse Cereals Record Significant Rise

Ziraat Times News Desk

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 17: India’s rabi crop sowing has crossed 208.19 lakh hectares, marking a significant increase of 19.46 lakh hectares compared to the corresponding period last year, according to the latest data released by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

The progress report, based on area coverage as of November 11, shows higher sowing across major crop categories, with notable gains in pulses, coarse cereals (Shri Anna) and oilseeds, reflecting strong momentum at the start of the rabi season.

Pulses Area Expands to 52.82 Lakh Hectares

Pulses have seen a robust rise, with sowing reaching 52.82 lakh hectares, up from 48.93 lakh hectares last year — an increase of 3.88 lakh hectares.
Key contributors include:

• Gram: 37.43 lakh ha (up 3.39 lakh ha)

• Lentil: 6.83 lakh ha (up 0.74 lakh ha)

• Field Pea: 4.75 lakh ha (up 0.51 lakh ha)

However, a few crops, including urd bean, moong, lathyrus, and some “other pulses,” recorded marginal declines.

Area under Shri Anna & Coarse Cereals has risen to 15.53 lakh hectares, compared to 13.50 lakh hectares last year — a gain of 2.04 lakh hectares.
Significant growth was observed in:

• Jowar: 8.82 lakh ha

• Maize: 4.26 lakh ha

• Ragi, Barley and Small Millets also recorded notable improvements.

Oilseeds Cross 66 Lakh Hectares

Oilseed sowing has touched 66.17 lakh hectares, up by 3.24 lakh hectares year-on-year.
Major gains include:

• Rapeseed & Mustard: 64.23 lakh ha (up 3.71 lakh ha)

• Safflower and Sunflower also saw modest increases.

Groundnut, sesamum and linseed, however, recorded minor declines.

Wheat sowing has reached 66.23 lakh hectares, up by 9.68 lakh hectares, while rice coverage stands at 7.44 lakh hectares, marking a rise of 0.62 lakh hectares from last year.

Total Sown Area Rises Significantly

Overall, the total area sown under rabi crops has climbed to 208.19 lakh hectares, compared to 188.73 lakh hectares during the same period in 2024–25.

The Agriculture Department expects sowing activity to accelerate further in the coming weeks as winter rainfall patterns stabilize.