Rabi Crop Area Expands to 655.88 Lakh Hectares
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Synopsis
As of January 27, 2023, the total area cultivated for rabi crops has reached 655.88 lakh hectares, marking an increase from last year. Wheat and pulses show significant growth, contributing to better food production and controlling inflation.
Key Takeaways
- Total area for rabi crops is 655.88 lakh hectares.
- Wheat area increased to 324.38 lakh hectares.
- Pulses area up to 142.49 lakh hectares.
- Expected decrease in food inflation.
- Positive economic outlook anticipated.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) The total cultivated area across the country for various rabi crops in the current season has surpassed 655.88 lakh hectares, a rise from 643.72 lakh hectares during the same timeframe last year, as per the official data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on Monday.
The area dedicated to wheat has increased to 324.38 lakh hectares (ha), compared to 315.63 lakh ha in the corresponding period of the previous year, indicating a probable surge in cereal production for the season. Additionally, experts believe that the recent winter rains will further benefit the crop.
Moreover, the total area under pulses has risen to 142.49 lakh ha, up from 139.29 lakh ha in the same period last year, which is expected to boost output. This increase is crucial for controlling pulse prices, which have been contributing to inflation.
Additionally, 55.67 lakh ha has been allocated for Shri Anna and coarse cereals, while oilseeds have been sown in 98.18 lakh ha.
This year’s expansion in total sown area is a positive development, anticipated to enhance the production of essential food items and help mitigate inflation in the economy.
Looking forward, food inflation is predicted to decrease, and the economic growth outlook remains “cautiously optimistic” for the upcoming months. The agricultural sector is expected to benefit from favorable monsoon conditions, increased minimum support prices, and a steady supply of inputs, according to the Finance Ministry’s monthly economic review.
India’s retail inflation rate, based on the Consumer Price Index, dropped to a four-month low of 5.22 percent in December, as the prices of vegetables, pulses, and sugar declined, providing relief to household budgets, according to statistics compiled by the Ministry of Statistics.
This decline in inflation reflects a consistent downward trend after peaking at a 14-month high of 6.21 percent in October, with CPI inflation reducing to 5.48 percent in November.
The decrease in retail inflation in December was largely due to the reduction in the price surge of key food items.
