Latest Rabi 2024-25 Sowing Update: Growth and Decline Trends Across Major Crops
29 January 2025, New Delhi: The Rabi season for 2024-25 has seen an overall increase in the total sown area compared to the previous year. With a total coverage of 655.88 lakh hectares, the sown area has surpassed both the 2023-24 figure of 643.72 lakh hectares and the five-year average normal area of 635.30 lakh hectares. A closer examination of major crops reveals notable trends in acreage growth and decline.
Wheat Continues Its Dominance
Wheat, the most widely cultivated Rabi crop, has shown significant growth in acreage this season. The area under wheat cultivation has increased to 324.38 lakh hectares, up from 315.63 lakh hectares in 2023-24 and surpassing the normal area of 312.35 lakh hectares. This rise in wheat sowing suggests favorable weather conditions and a positive market outlook, encouraging farmers to expand cultivation.
Rice/Paddy Sees a Sharp Increase in Sowing
Rice/Paddy, though a minor crop in the Rabi season, has witnessed an impressive growth in acreage. The sown area for 2024-25 stands at 35.15 lakh hectares, a substantial rise from 30.38 lakh hectares in 2023-24. While this is still below the normal area of 42.02 lakh hectares, the increase over last year suggests improved irrigation facilities and a push for hybrid varieties suitable for Rabi planting.
S.No. | Crop | Normal Area (DES) (2018-19 –2022-23) | Area Sown 2024-25 | Area Sown 2023-24 |
1 | Wheat | 312.35 | 324.38 | 315.63 |
2 | Rice/Paddy | 42.02 | 35.15 | 30.38 |
3 | Pulses | 140.44 | 142.49 | 139.29 |
a | Gram | 100.99 | 98.55 | 95.87 |
b | Lentil | 15.13 | 17.43 | 17.76 |
c | Fieldpea | 6.50 | 8.94 | 8.98 |
d | Kulthi | 1.98 | 3.13 | 3.13 |
e | Urd Bean | 6.15 | 5.60 | 5.12 |
f | Moong Bean | 1.44 | 1.27 | 1.08 |
g | Lathyrus | 2.79 | 3.12 | 3.32 |
h | Other Pulses | 5.46 | 4.45 | 4.04 |
4 | Shri Anna & Coarse cereals | 53.46 | 55.67 | 55.89 |
a | Jowar | 24.37 | 24.35 | 26.60 |
b | Bajra | 0.37 | 0.14 | 0.17 |
c | Ragi | 0.74 | 0.73 | 0.68 |
d | Small Millets | 0.15 | 0.16 | 0.00 |
e | Maize | 22.11 | 23.67 | 21.75 |
f | Barley | 5.72 | 6.62 | 6.70 |
5 | Oilseeds | 87.02 | 98.18 | 102.52 |
a | Rapeseed & Mustard | 79.16 | 89.30 | 93.73 |
b | Groundnut | 3.82 | 3.65 | 3.42 |
c | Safflower | 0.72 | 0.71 | 0.77 |
d | Sunflower | 0.81 | 0.74 | 0.43 |
e | Sesamum | 0.58 | 0.34 | 0.52 |
f | Linseed | 1.93 | 3.07 | 3.32 |
g | Other Oilseeds | 0.00 | 0.38 | 0.34 |
Total Crops | 635.30 | 655.88 | 643.72 |
Pulses Show Moderate Growth
The total area under pulses has risen to 142.49 lakh hectares from 139.29 lakh hectares last year, indicating a steady increase.
- Gram, the largest contributor, has seen its acreage grow to 98.55 lakh hectares, up from 95.87 lakh hectares in 2023-24. While this is slightly below the normal area of 100.99 lakh hectares, it remains the dominant pulse crop.
- Lentil, on the other hand, has experienced a marginal decline, with its sown area dropping from 17.76 lakh hectares in 2023-24 to 17.43 lakh hectares in 2024-25. However, it is still above its normal area of 15.13 lakh hectares.
- Fieldpea has remained stable at 8.94 lakh hectares, close to last year’s 8.98 lakh hectares, showing consistent farmer preference.
- Kulthi and Urd Bean have recorded moderate growth, with Kulthi maintaining 3.13 lakh hectares and Urd Bean increasing from 5.12 lakh hectares to 5.60 lakh hectares.
- Moong Bean, however, has seen a slight drop, with 1.27 lakh hectares sown compared to 1.08 lakh hectares last year.
- Lathyrus has witnessed a minor decline, dropping from 3.32 lakh hectares to 3.12 lakh hectares, but it remains above its normal area of 2.79 lakh hectares.
Shri Anna & Coarse Cereals Witness Mixed Trends
The total area under coarse cereals has slightly decreased to 55.67 lakh hectares from 55.89 lakh hectares last year.
- Jowar, the most significant coarse cereal, has seen a drop in acreage from 26.60 lakh hectares to 24.35 lakh hectares, falling below the normal area of 24.37 lakh hectares.
- Bajra and Ragi have seen minor fluctuations, with Bajra reducing to 0.14 lakh hectares and Ragi maintaining close to its normal area at 0.73 lakh hectares.
- Maize, however, has demonstrated an encouraging increase in acreage from 21.75 lakh hectares in 2023-24 to 23.67 lakh hectares in 2024-25, surpassing its normal area of 22.11 lakh hectares. This growth reflects the rising demand for maize in the livestock and industrial sectors.
Oilseeds Register Decline, But Some Crops Shine
Oilseeds, a key Rabi segment, have seen a drop in total acreage, standing at 98.18 lakh hectares compared to 102.52 lakh hectares last year. However, this is still above the normal area of 87.02 lakh hectares.
- Rapeseed & Mustard, the leading oilseed crop, has recorded a decline, with its acreage falling from 93.73 lakh hectares to 89.30 lakh hectares. Despite this drop, the area remains significantly higher than the normal area of 79.16 lakh hectares.
- Groundnut, Safflower, and Sunflower have also seen minor declines in acreage. Groundnut fell from 3.42 lakh hectares to 3.65 lakh hectares, while Safflower dropped slightly from 0.77 lakh hectares to 0.71 lakh hectares.
- Sesamum, however, experienced a significant drop, declining from 0.52 lakh hectares to 0.34 lakh hectares.
- Linseed has been an outlier in the oilseed category, registering an increase in acreage from 3.32 lakh hectares to 3.07 lakh hectares.
A Favorable Rabi Season with Growth in Key Crops
Overall, the Rabi 2024-25 season has witnessed a healthy increase in acreage, surpassing both the previous year’s figures and the five-year normal average. Wheat, Rice, Pulses, and Maize have shown positive growth, while certain oilseeds like Rapeseed & Mustard have seen declines but remain strong. These trends indicate a stable agricultural outlook for the Rabi season, with favorable conditions driving higher sowing in major crops.
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