Rabi Rice Cultivation Area Increases by 2.67 Lakh Hectares

06-Jan-2026 08:48 PM

New Delhi: In India, approximately 80-85 percent of rice production takes place during the Kharif season, while the remaining 15-20 percent is produced during the Rabi and Zaid (summer) seasons.

Kharif rice cultivation takes place from June to September, while Rabi rice is cultivated between November and January.

This year, the area under Kharif rice cultivation surged to an all-time high of 441 lakh hectares, leading to expectations of record rice production. Arrivals of new rice crops and government procurement are ongoing in many states.

Meanwhile, the area under Rabi rice cultivation has also increased by 2.67 lakh hectares, from 14.90 lakh hectares last year to 17.57 lakh hectares this year.

However, this is still significantly lower than the five-year average area of ​​42.93 lakh hectares and the total area cultivated during the previous Rabi season, which was 44.73 lakh hectares.

Rabi rice cultivation is currently in full swing in some states, particularly in South India, and is expected to continue until the end of January 2026.

This could potentially bring the total area under rice cultivation close to or even above last year's level.

Although the supply and availability of rice in the domestic market remain very comfortable, and prices are stable, with ample stocks available in government warehouses, farmers continue to show enthusiasm and interest in rice cultivation.