Wheat acreage expands in India

Rabi crop sowing in India continues to gain momentum, with the total planted area reaching 58.07 million hectares in the current season, compared with 57.25 million hectares a year earlier, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture. The increase reflects steady progress across most major crops as planting advances toward completion.

Wheat acreage, which is now nearing the final stage of sowing, expanded to 30.16 million hectares from 30.03 million hectares during the same period last year. Although this marks a moderate year-on-year rise, it remains below the 32.80 million hectares planted during the 2024 rabi season, indicating a more cautious expansion by farmers.

Planting of other crops has also increased. Rice acreage rose to 1.33 million hectares from 1.15 million hectares a year earlier, while the area under pulses grew to 12.67 million hectares compared with 12.30 million hectares last season. Within pulses, gram and lentil areas recorded gains, although urad and moong sowing remained below last year’s levels.

Oilseed sowing edged up marginally to 9.33 million hectares from 9.26 million hectares, supported by an expansion in rapeseed-mustard acreage. Coarse cereals also posted growth, with maize and ragi areas increasing year on year. Rabi crops in India are typically sown from October and harvested between March and April.

Tags: wheat, India, sown area