Has the Area Sown Under Rabi Crops Surpassed 580 Lakh Hectares?
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Synopsis
The area sown under rabi crops has significantly risen, reaching over 580 lakh hectares, promising increased production and farmer incomes. This growth is bolstered by better monsoon conditions and an increase in minimum support prices announced for the upcoming marketing season. Discover how these developments will impact agriculture and food prices.
Key Takeaways
- Total area sown under rabi crops reaches 580.70 lakh hectares.
- Increase of 8.11 lakh hectares from last year.
- Higher production expected to boost farmer incomes.
- Increased minimum support prices for rabi crops announced.
- Improved monsoon conditions have aided sowing in unirrigated areas.
New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) The overall area sown for rabi crops in the current winter season has surged by 8.11 lakh hectares, reaching a total of 580.70 lakh hectares as of December 19 this year. This marks an increase from the 572.59 lakh hectares reported during the same timeframe last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Monday.
The expansion in sown area is anticipated to result in greater production, which could subsequently elevate farmers' incomes and assist in controlling food inflation.
Official data indicates that the area designated for wheat has risen to 301.63 lakh hectares, up from 300.34 lakh hectares at the same time last year.
The space allocated for pulses such as Urd, Lentils (Masur), and Moong has increased by 3.72 lakh hectares to 126.74 lakh hectares from 123.02 lakh hectares during the previous year.
The acreage covered by coarse cereals, including jowar, bajra, and ragi, has also grown by 0.61 lakh hectares, now totaling 45.66 lakh hectares in this season compared to 45.05 lakh hectares from last year.
The area under oilseeds like rapeseed and mustard has seen an increase by 0.68 lakh hectares, now at 93.33 lakh hectares from 92.65 lakh hectares last year.
This rise in sown area is attributed to improved monsoon rains that have facilitated sowing in unirrigated regions, which comprise nearly 50% of the country's farmland.
Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an increase in the minimum support prices (MSP) for all mandated rabi crops for the 2026-27 marketing season on October 1 this year, ensuring better prices for growers.
The MSP announcements are made well in advance of the sowing season, allowing farmers to formulate their cropping strategies to optimize earnings.
The most significant increase in MSP has been recorded for Safflower at Rs. 600 per quintal, followed by Lentil (Masur) at Rs. 300 per quintal. For rapeseed, mustard, gram, barley, and wheat, the increases are Rs. 250, Rs. 225, Rs. 170, and Rs. 160 per quintal, respectively.
The rise in MSP for these mandated rabi crops aligns with the Union Budget 2018-19's commitment to set MSP at a level that is at least 1.5 times the All-India weighted average production cost.
The anticipated margin over the All-India weighted average production cost is 109% for wheat, 93% for rapeseed and mustard, 89% for lentils, 59% for gram, 58% for barley, and 50% for safflower. This increase in MSP for rabi crops is expected to guarantee fair prices for farmers and encourage crop diversification.
The production costs for these crops encompass all expenses, including those for hired labor, bullock or machine labor, land rent, material inputs like seeds and fertilizers, irrigation, depreciation on equipment and buildings, working capital interest, and miscellaneous costs, along with the imputed value of family labor, as explained in the official statement.
Point of View
The rise in area sown under rabi crops is a positive indicator for India's agricultural sector. It reflects effective government policies and favorable weather conditions that can lead to enhanced food security and farmer prosperity. The increase in minimum support prices further demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting farmers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their hard work.
NationPress
24/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current area sown under rabi crops?
As of December 19, the area sown under rabi crops has reached 580.70 lakh hectares, an increase of 8.11 lakh hectares from last year.
How has the increase in sown area affected farmers?
The increase in the sown area is expected to lead to higher production, thereby boosting farmers' incomes and assisting in controlling food inflation.
What crops have seen an increase in sown area?
Notable increases have been observed in wheat, pulses, coarse cereals, and oilseeds, indicating a broad enhancement in agricultural diversity.
What is the significance of the minimum support price (MSP)?
The MSP is a crucial pricing mechanism that ensures farmers receive fair compensation for their produce, which has recently been increased to support rabi crops.
How does the government support crop production?
The government supports crop production through initiatives like MSP announcements and ensuring favorable conditions for sowing, which includes better rainfall.
