The Rabi sowing coverage in India has exceeded 306 lakh hectares as of November 21, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. The latest figures reflect progress in key crop groups including pulses and oilseeds, the ministry said.
The crop-wise data show pulses area has reached 73.36 lakh hectares, up from 68.15 lakh hectares in the same period last year. The oilseeds segment has extended beyond 76.64 lakh hectares. Also, the area under “Shri Anna & coarse cereals” has touched 19.69 lakh hectares.
Wheat sowing in 2025–26 stood at 128.37 lakh hectares compared with 107.09 lakh hectares at the same time a year ago. Rice sowing reached 8.26 lakh hectares. Among coarse cereals, maize saw an expansion, while other crops such as jowar, barley and small millets were also sown. In the oilseeds category, rapeseed & mustard alone covered 79.17 lakh hectares.
Overall, area sown for all crops in the Rabi season has touched 306.31 lakh hectares, marking an increase of 33.53 lakh hectares over 272.78 lakh hectares recorded during the corresponding period in 2024–25.
The ministry release noted that the Rabi sowing progress indicates favourable signs for the upcoming season, given timely planting and favourable agro-climatic conditions. Officials added that monitoring continues, especially for states which show slower uptake of area coverage.