The coverage under rabi crops in India has seen some fluctuations recently, with the total acreage reaching 614.94 lakh hectares as of December 27. While pulses showed some improvement in sowing, the area under oilseeds continues to be a concern, especially with mustard acreage seemingly complete at 88.50 lakh hectares.
Wheat, the key cereal crop of the rabi season, saw a 2.2% increase in acreage to 319.74 lakh hectares, with states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh offering bonuses to farmers for wheat cultivation. Paddy acreage was also higher by 5.6%, reaching 14.37 lakh hectares, while maize acreage increased by 8% to 18.93 lakh hectares.
The government has set production targets for various crops for the current rabi season, including 115 million tonnes of wheat, 14.55 million tonnes of rice, and 13.65 million tonnes of chana. The total foodgrains target for the 2024-25 crop year is set at 341.55 million tonnes, with rabi crops expected to contribute more than 48% of the total.
Overall, the progress in rabi crop sowing in India reflects both challenges and opportunities for the agricultural sector, with the need for careful monitoring and support to ensure a successful harvest season.
