As of mid-December 2024, Rabi crop sowing has gained momentum, with the total sown area surpassing last year’s figures. According to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on December 16,2024., Rabi crops have been planted across 55.88 million hectares (558 lakh hectares), compared to 55.66 million hectares (556.6 lakh hectares) during the same period last year.

While the overall sowing area has increased, certain crops are lagging behind last year’s pace. Crops like wheat, maize, gram (chickpea), and rice have registered higher sown areas compared to the previous year. However, the area under crops such as urad (black gram), moong (green gram), barley, and oilseeds has declined based on the data collected so far. This mixed trend highlights the dynamic nature of Rabi sowing progress and varying factors influencing crop selection this season.

Specifically, wheat has been planted on 29.31 million hectares (293.11 lakh hectares), up from 28.41 million hectares (284.17 lakh hectares) in the corresponding period last year. (Source-Cnbctv)