New Delhi: India’s rabi sowing for the 2025–26 agricultural season has recorded a steady and encouraging rise, with total area coverage increasing by 18.24 lakh hectare compared to the same period last year, according to official data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
The data underscores the resilience of India’s agricultural sector amid evolving climatic and market conditions, with farmers expanding sowing in several major crops during the ongoing season.
Wheat, India’s principal rabi crop, continues to dominate the sowing landscape. As of January 23, wheat has been sown over 334.17 lakh hectare, registering an increase of 6.13 lakh hectare over the same period in 2024–25.
The expansion reflects favourable weather conditions in key wheat-growing states and sustained policy support, including timely availability of inputs and assured procurement mechanisms.
Pulses Show Notable Gains, Gram at the Forefront
Pulses have also recorded a healthy rise in area coverage, increasing by 3.61 lakh hectare compared to last year. Total pulses sowing now stands at 137.55 lakh hectare, indicating renewed farmer interest in these nutritionally vital crops.
Gram has emerged as the standout performer within pulses, with its sown area rising by a significant 4.66 lakh hectare to reach 95.88 lakh hectare. Lentil cultivation has also shown a modest increase, while some pulse varieties such as urdbean and moongbean have seen marginal declines.
Coarse Cereals and Shri Anna Register Steady Progress
Area coverage under Shri Anna and coarse cereals has risen by 3.25 lakh hectare, touching 60.70 lakh hectare. Maize and barley have contributed substantially to this growth, with maize alone adding 2.84 lakh hectare over last year.
However, jowar sowing has witnessed a slight decline, reflecting regional variations in cropping patterns and farmer preferences.
Oilseeds Sowing Strengthens
Oilseeds have posted an increase of 3.45 lakh hectare in rabi sowing, with total coverage reaching 97.03 lakh hectare. Rapeseed and mustard continue to anchor this category, accounting for nearly 90 lakh hectare of the total area.
Other oilseeds such as groundnut, safflower and linseed have also recorded incremental gains, pointing to diversified rabi cropping across states.
Overall Outlook Remains Positive
Officials say the steady rise in rabi area coverage reflects stable sowing conditions and farmer confidence ahead of the harvest season. The ministry continues to monitor crop progress closely to ensure timely interventions where required.