Wheat sowing area increased to 320 lakh hectares

14-Jan-2025 07:13 PM

The wheat sowing area in India has increased to 320 lakh hectares for the 2024-25 Rabi season, marking an increase of 4.37 lakh hectares from last year's 315.63 lakh hectares and 7.65 lakh hectares more than the normal average of 312.35 lakh hectares.

This rise is attributed to high market prices and limited stock, which encouraged more farmers to plant wheat.

The sowing season is nearly complete, and the Union Agriculture Ministry has set a target of 1150 lakh tonnes for wheat production this season, with a procurement target of 300 lakh tonnes.

The government has also raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat by Rs 150 to Rs 2425 per quintal.

Additionally, in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, farmers will receive an extra bonus of Rs 125 per quintal.

Weather conditions in most major wheat-producing states are currently favorable, which could boost production if the weather remains stable over the next few months.

However, the Meteorological Department has predicted less rainfall and higher temperatures from January to March 2025, raising concerns about the crop's health.

Given the limited stock, the government may intensify efforts to procure wheat in large quantities to meet demand.