Area under Pulses, Oilseeds, and Paddy Exceeds Last Year's Levels

02-Jan-2026 08:36 PM

New Delhi: The Central Agriculture Commissioner says that sowing of Rabi pulses and oilseed crops is almost complete, and the total area under cultivation is ahead of last year's figures. Paddy cultivation is still underway and may continue until the end of January 2026 in South India. The area under paddy cultivation is also higher than last year.

Compared to the previous season, there has been a significant increase in the area sown under gram, lentil, and mustard during the current Rabi season, and with favorable weather conditions, a better yield is expected. Sowing of Rabi crops began in October 2025, and harvesting preparations will start from February-March.

India imports a huge quantity of pulses and edible oils, costing billions of dollars annually. The government is making strong efforts to curb these imports, but so far, no concrete positive results have been achieved. India remains the world's leading importer of edible oils and pulses.

The area under mustard cultivation has exceeded last year's figures and the five-year average, but the increase is not as significant as anticipated.

In comparison, the area under gram cultivation has increased more substantially. It is worth noting that for the past seven to eight months, the wholesale market price of mustard has been higher than the government's minimum support price.

In contrast, the price of gram has fluctuated considerably. In Rajasthan, there has been a good increase in the area under both mustard and gram cultivation, and the crop condition remains satisfactory, raising hopes for increased production.