Attention Now Focused on the Progress of Rabi Crops After Sowing

08-Jan-2026 08:35 PM

New Delhi: The sowing campaign for most Rabi crops, except for paddy, has either concluded or is in its final stages. The process is still underway in some parts of South India, where paddy transplantation may continue until the end of January.

In North-Western, Central, Eastern and North-Eastern, and North-Western India, after the completion of sowing of major crops including wheat, gram, lentil, mustard, maize, sorghum, and barley, attention has now shifted to their progress.

Despite generally deficient rainfall, the crops are developing satisfactorily due to the cold weather. Sufficient water is available in dams and reservoirs, ensuring adequate irrigation for the crops. The Meteorological Department has predicted above-average rainfall in January 2026, which could provide significant relief to the Rabi crops.

The area under wheat cultivation has reached a new record level, while the production area for paddy, gram, lentil, maize, barley, and mustard is also higher than last year.

The weather conditions in January are expected to be near normal, but there is a possibility of rising temperatures in February-March.

This could partially affect the wheat crop, in particular. Harvesting and preparation of the early-sown gram and mustard crops will begin next month, but harvesting of other crops is expected to start in March.