Area Planted for Rabi Crops Surpasses 640 Lakh Hectares
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Synopsis
The area under rabi crops in India has surpassed 640 lakh hectares this season, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Wheat and pulses show significant growth, indicating a potential rise in production and a positive outlook on food inflation.
Key Takeaways
- 640 lakh hectares now planted under rabi crops
- 320 lakh hectares dedicated to wheat cultivation
- 141.69 lakh hectares of pulses reported
- Increase in agricultural output expected
- Retail inflation falls to 5.22% in December
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The total agricultural area cultivated in India under various rabi crops this season has now exceeded 640 lakh hectares, a rise from 637.5 lakh hectares during the same timeframe last year, according to official data from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare released on Monday.
The land area sown with wheat has increased to 320 lakh hectares (ha), compared to 315.63 lakh ha during the corresponding period last year, indicating a likely increase in cereal production for this season. Experts suggest that the winter rains will further benefit the crop.
The area under pulses has also risen to 141.69 lakh ha from 139.29 lakh ha in the same timeframe last year, which is expected to enhance output and help moderate pulse prices, which have been contributing to inflation.
An additional 54.49 lakh ha has been reported for Shri Anna & Coarse Cereals, while oilseeds have been sown on 97.62 ha.
This increment in total sown area is a positive development, anticipated to bolster the production of essential food items and assist in alleviating inflationary pressures in the economy.
Looking ahead, food inflation is projected to decline, and the growth outlook for the economy remains “cautiously optimistic” in the coming months, as the agricultural sector is poised to benefit from favorable monsoon conditions, increased minimum support prices, and sufficient input supplies, as per the Finance Ministry’s monthly economic review.
India's retail inflation rate, based on the Consumer Price Index, dropped to a 4-month low of 5.22 percent in December due to decreased prices of vegetables, pulses, and sugar, providing relief to household budgets, according to the Ministry of Statistics.
This reduction in inflation reflects a consistent downward trend after reaching a 14-month high of 6.21 percent in October. CPI inflation had also decreased to 5.48 percent in November.
The drop in retail inflation in December was primarily due to a decrease in the price surge of essential food items.
