Rabi Crop Area Rises Slightly as Wheat Sowing Remains Flat, Govt Data Shows.

New Delhi — The area sown under rabi crops in India has inched up modestly this season, while wheat sowing — the principal rabi crop — has remained nearly unchanged, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

As of December 26, 2025, the total rabi crop area reached 61.4 million hectares, marking a small increase from 60.74 million hectares in the corresponding period of the previous season. The rise was driven mainly by expanded acreage under pulses and oilseeds, government figures showed. 

Wheat, which accounts for the largest share of rabi sowing, was planted on about 32.26 million hectares, virtually unchanged from 32.24 million hectares a year earlier. This indicates that farmers maintained wheat area at last year’s level amid steady demand and support measures.

Among other crops, pulses and oilseeds recorded marginal gains. Chickpea, lentil, and green gram sowing surpassed their respective last season’s coverage, while rice sowing also rose moderately relative to the year-ago period. Coarse cereals such as maize and jowar continued to be planted actively. 

Planting of rabi crops typically begins in October and continues through December, with harvesting expected to start from March. With sowing operations nearing completion, the slight expansion in overall crop area reflects cautious optimism among farmers amid favorable weather conditions in many regions. 

Agriculture analysts say stable wheat acreage, coupled with growth in pulses and oilseeds, could support balanced foodgrain and oilseed production in the coming season. However, the flat wheat sowing area suggests that farmers are not significantly shifting away from traditional staples, even as diversification into other crops continues gradually.