The rabi sowing campaign in India has kicked off on a high note, with total area under winter crops climbing to 652.33 lakh hectares by mid-January, outpacing last year’s 631.45 lakh hectares by 20.88 lakh hectares. The Agriculture Ministry’s latest update underscores the sector’s vigor and its implications for national food security.
Enhanced production from this broader coverage is set to uplift farmer livelihoods and temper rises in staple food costs. Last monsoon’s generous downpours have ensured sufficient soil preparedness across diverse agro-climatic zones.
Wheat planting has advanced to 334.17 lakh hectares (+6.13 lakh ha), pulses to 137 lakh hectares (+3.82 lakh ha), coarse grains to 58.72 lakh hectares (+2.79 lakh ha), and oilseeds to 96.86 lakh hectares (+3.53 lakh ha), all compared to the previous season.
Strategic MSP announcements have incentivized participation. Approved last October for 2026-27, these prices were set early to inform sowing decisions: kusum up Rs 600/qt, masoor Rs 300, rapeseed-mustard Rs 250, chana Rs 225, barley Rs 170, wheat Rs 160.
Adhering to the 2018-19 budget directive, MSP ensures at least 1.5 times cost coverage, promoting sustainable farming.
In summary, this sowing boom, driven by weather and policy synergy, positions India for robust rabi yields, fostering economic growth and price stability.