Rabi crop acreage in India witnesses a decline; pulses fare the worst

Sowing for the Rabi cropping season 2024-25 is nearly complete, but preliminary data indicate that crop production may be low for the season. The acreage under Rabi crops is approximately 1,651,000 hectares less than usual, with pulses experiencing the lowest acreage. A change in rainfall pattern is likely the reason for the reduction in acreage. According to Agriculture Ministry data, Rabi crops were sown on a total of 62.96 million hectares until the last week of December 2023, whereas sowing was done on 64.61 million hectares until the last week of December 2022. Rabi crops are typically planted in the country until the last week of December, covering approximately 64.84 million hectares in total. In comparison to the previous season, the current season's sowing area has decreased by 1.65 million hectares. Crops have not been planted on 1.87 million hectares in the current season, compared to the average acreage for Rabi seasons. The sowing of pulses has been significantly ...