Has Gujarat Achieved Record Rabi Sowing with Expanded Wheat, Gram, and Maize Cultivation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Record rabi sowing achieved in Gujarat this season.
- Farmers have increased cultivation of wheat, gram, and maize.
- Wheat acreage has reached 13.24 lakh hectares.
- Gram cultivation has surged by 13% compared to last year.
- Overall agricultural output is expected to rise significantly.
Ahmedabad, Jan 2 (NationPress) Gujarat has set a remarkable benchmark in rabi sowing this season, with farmers notably expanding their cultivation of vital crops such as wheat, gram, and maize, driven by the lucrative prices they received last year.
The rabi agricultural season, which plays a crucial role after the kharif harvest, is now progressing towards its final stages throughout the state.
This season, farmers have already sown more than 44.74 lakh hectares, achieving 96 percent of the normal area compared to an average rabi sowing area of 46.43 lakh hectares over the past three years.
With sowing still ongoing in certain areas, the total cultivated acreage is anticipated to increase in the upcoming weeks. Wheat continues to lead the rabi cropping in Gujarat, making a significant contribution to India's overall wheat production.
This year, the area dedicated to wheat has reached 13.24 lakh hectares, the highest among all rabi crops.
In total, cereal crops—including wheat and maize—have been sown across 14.83 lakh hectares so far. Notably, pulses have shown strong growth, particularly gram.
In comparison to last year's 7.48 lakh hectares, the acreage for gram has surged by 13 percent to 8.47 lakh hectares this season. Overall, pulse crops have experienced an 11 percent increase, covering 8.96 lakh hectares across the state.
Other crops have also seen robust sowing activity. Spices like cumin have been cultivated over 3.75 lakh hectares, while oilseeds such as mustard have covered 2.78 lakh hectares.
Furthermore, potato cultivation has witnessed significant growth, with the area rising by 18 percent from 1.40 lakh hectares last year to 1.66 lakh hectares this season.
Rabi sowing operations are expected to persist until the final week of January. With substantial acreage already under cultivation, Gujarat is poised for a significant surge in agricultural output in the coming months, further solidifying its role as a pivotal contributor to India's food grain and horticultural production.