Rabi Sowing Rises by 24 Lakh Hectares: Wheat, Pulses and Oilseeds Show Strong Growth

December 16, 2025

New Delhi: The total area sown under Rabi crops in the country during the current Rabi season has increased to 536.76 lakh hectares as of December 5.

This is 24 lakh hectares more than the 512.76 lakh hectares sown during the same period last year. This information was provided in data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Tuesday.

Increased Production and Farmer Income Expected

This increase in sown area is expected to lead to a rise in Rabi crop production. This will not only increase farmers’ income but also help in controlling food inflation.

According to official figures, the area sown under wheat has increased by 17.18 lakh hectares to 275.66 lakh hectares, compared to 258.48 lakh hectares during the same period last year.

Increase in Pulses Cultivation

The area under pulses like urad, masoor, and moong has increased to 117.11 lakh hectares, compared to 115.41 lakh hectares during the same period last year.

The area sown under coarse grains like jowar, bajra, and ragi has increased by 0.64 lakh hectares to 41.77 lakh hectares. Last year, it was 41.13 lakh hectares.

Oilseeds Cultivation Also Shows Growth

The area under oilseeds like mustard and rapeseed has increased by 2.7 lakh hectares to 89.79 lakh hectares, compared to 87.1 lakh hectares during the same period last year.

The main reason for the increase in sown area this season is attributed to a better monsoon, which enabled sowing even in unirrigated areas. Unirrigated land accounts for approximately 50 percent of the country’s total agricultural land. Increase in MSP for Rabi Crops

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for the marketing season 2026-27 on October 1st, to ensure remunerative prices for farmers’ produce.

MSP Announced Before Sowing

The MSP for Rabi crops is announced before sowing to enable farmers to plan their crop cultivation and maximize their income.

• Increase in MSP for Each Crop
• Safflower: ₹600 per quintal
• Lentil: ₹300 per quintal
• Mustard/Rapeseed: ₹250 per quintal
• Chickpea: ₹225 per quintal
• Barley: ₹170 per quintal
• Wheat: ₹160 per quintal

This increase is in line with the announcement made in the Union Budget 2018-19, which mandated that the MSP should be fixed at least 1.5 times the average cost of production.

Potential Profitability for Crops

• Wheat: 109%
• Mustard/Rapeseed: 93%
• Lentil: 89%
• Chickpea: 59%
• Barley: 58%
• Safflower: 50%

This increased MSP will not only ensure remunerative prices for farmers but also encourage crop diversification.

What is Included in the Cost of Production

The cost of production includes expenses on seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, labor, machinery, rented land, fuel, electricity, depreciation of implements, interest on working capital, imputed value of family labor, and other miscellaneous expenses, the official statement said.