Farmers’ Strong Interest in Wheat Cultivation Continues

09-Dec-2025 01:23 PM

New Delhi. Encouraged by the significant increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) announced by the central government and the favorable weather and moisture conditions, Indian farmers are showing tremendous interest in wheat cultivation this year. As a result, the area under wheat—the most important rabi food grain—has jumped to 24.14 million hectares, which is 2.36 million hectares or 11% higher than the 21.78 million hectares sown during the same period last year (5 December). The normal (five-year average) wheat acreage this year is estimated at 31.235 million hectares.

In Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, wheat sowing begins early, and the process there is almost completed or in its final stages. However, in major producing states such as Madhya Pradesh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, sowing is still in progress. Due to sufficient soil moisture and high water levels in dams and reservoirs across these states, farmers are confidently and vigorously undertaking wheat sowing this season.

The central government has increased the MSP for wheat from ₹2,425 per quintal in the 2024–25 season to ₹2,585 per quintal for the 2025–26 season — an increase of ₹160 per quintal, which is considered highly attractive for farmers. Although wholesale market prices have softened, this has had no negative impact on farmers’ enthusiasm and confidence, as they are assured that the government will procure a large quantity of this essential food grain for the central pool at the MSP.

In the 2024–25 rabi season, farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan received additional bonuses of ₹175 and ₹150 per quintal respectively, over and above the MSP declared by the Centre. Thus, producers in Madhya Pradesh received ₹2,600 per quintal, while those in Rajasthan received ₹2,575 per quintal. Farmers are hopeful of receiving similar bonuses in the current season as well.