New Delhi: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has reported significant progress in Rabi crop sowing for the 2024-25 season, with the total sown area reaching 632.27 lakh hectares as of January 14, 2025. This figure is slightly higher than the 631.44 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year.
Wheat continues to dominate Rabi crop cultivation, covering 320 lakh hectares this season compared to 315.63 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year. This marks an increase in wheat cultivation, underscoring its significance in the Rabi cropping pattern.
An area of 139.81 lakh hectares has been reported under pulses, close to last year’s coverage of 139.11 lakh hectares. Among the pulses, gram is the most cultivated, covering 96.65 lakh hectares. Other significant contributors include lentils (17.43 lakh hectares) and field peas (8.94 lakh hectares).
Shri Anna and coarse cereals have been sown over 53.55 lakh hectares, showing stability compared to the 53.37 lakh hectares recorded last year. Major crops in this category include maize (22.37 lakh hectares) and jowar (23.58 lakh hectares).
Oilseed crops, covering an area of 96.82 lakh hectares, show a slight decline compared to last year’s 101.80 lakh hectares. Among oilseeds, rapeseed and mustard dominate with 88.50 lakh hectares under cultivation, followed by linseed (2.68 lakh hectares) and groundnut (3.65 lakh hectares).
The overall area coverage under Rabi crops remains robust, reflecting consistent agricultural practices and favorable conditions across major crop categories. The government continues to monitor and support farmers to achieve optimal yields in this crucial cropping season.