Sowing of Maize, Barley, and Finger Millet Ahead of Last Year

09-Dec-2025 02:39 PM

New Delhi. Although most of the production of maize and finger millet (ragi) takes place during the kharif season, these crops are also cultivated well during the rabi season. Similarly, sorghum (jowar) is sown in both the kharif and rabi seasons, while barley is considered a key rabi crop.

Official data shows that as of 5 December 2025, the total sown area under food grains and coarse cereals in the current rabi season had increased to 36.28 lakh hectares, which is 34,000 hectares higher than the 35.94 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year.

Compared to last year, the area under jowar has decreased from 18.56 lakh hectares to 18.08 lakh hectares in the current rabi season. However, the maize acreage has increased from 11.05 lakh hectares to 11.41 lakh hectares, barley acreage has risen from 5.68 lakh hectares to 5.95 lakh hectares, and the area under ragi has improved from 46,000 hectares to 64,000 hectares. Additionally, limited sowing of bajra and small millets has also taken place.

The five-year average area for “Shri Anna” and coarse cereals has been estimated at 55.33 lakh hectares this season, of which maize alone accounts for 23.61 lakh hectares and jowar for 24.62 lakh hectares. The average barley acreage is estimated at 5.63 lakh hectares, but its actual sown area has already surpassed this figure. In Rajasthan, farmers remain enthusiastic about barley cultivation because it is providing good income.

Despite maize prices falling well below the minimum support price (MSP), its acreage is still slightly ahead of last year, though the growth margin has narrowed. In the coming period, weak market prices may affect sowing decisions to some extent. Weather conditions are currently favorable, but farmers’ preference remains higher for wheat and mustard.