Sowing of important Rabi crops lags behind last year

15-Nov-2024 11:13 AM

The sowing of important Rabi crops has seen a noticeable decline this year compared to last year, according to reports from major agricultural states in India. As of November 8, 2024, the total area sown with Rabi crops has decreased by 7.4% to 146.06 lakh hectares, down from 157.73 lakh hectares during the same period in 2023.

 Key observations from the report include:

Wheat: The area sown with wheat, which is a critical food grain during the Rabi season, has fallen by 10.4%, from 48.87 lakh hectares last year to 41.30 lakh hectares this year.

Mustard: The area under mustard, an important oilseed crop, has declined by 1.6%, from 50.73 lakh hectares to 49.90 lakh hectares.

Jowar: The area under Jowar (sorghum), which is typically grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, has decreased sharply by 25%, from 8.93 lakh hectares to 6.69 lakh hectares.

Maize: On the positive side, the area under maize has increased significantly by 50%, rising from 1.80 lakh hectares last year to 2.71 lakh hectares this year.

Paddy: The area under paddy cultivation in the Rabi season has seen a slight increase, from 6.99 lakh hectares to 7.04 lakh hectares.

Lentils and Barley: There have been slight increases in the area sown with lentils (up by 11.2%) and barley (up from 27,000 hectares to 69,000 hectares).

Overall Rabi Production Targets:

The Central Government has set ambitious production targets for various crops in the current Rabi season:

• Wheat: 1150 lakh tonnes
• Rice: 145.50 lakh tonnes
• Maize: 120 lakh tonnes
• Gram: 136.50 lakh tonnes
• Lentils: 16.50 lakh tonnes
• Mustard: 138 lakh tonnes
• Barley: 22.50 lakh tonnes

The weather in the coming weeks will play a crucial role in determining whether these targets can be met, as the success of the Rabi crops depends significantly on timely rainfall and temperature conditions.