Rabi crop sowing has picked up significant momentum across the country, with total coverage touching 306.31 lakh hectares as on 21 November 2025, according to the latest data released by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. This marks an increase of 33.53 lakh hectares over the corresponding period last year (272.78 lakh ha).
Wheat, the main rabi crop, leads the sowing drive with 128.37 lakh hectares, recording a rise of 21.27 lakh hectares compared to last year. Rice has also shown marginal improvement, reaching 8.26 lakh hectares, up by 0.67 lakh hectares.
A major highlight of this season is the strong performance of pulses, which have covered 73.36 lakh hectares, compared to 68.15 lakh hectares last year—an increase of 5.21 lakh hectares. Among individual pulse crops, gram (53.71 lakh ha), lentil (9.01 lakh ha) and field pea (5.58 lakh ha) have registered notable gains.
In the Shri Anna and coarse cereals category, area coverage has reached 19.69 lakh hectares, showing an increase of 2.44 lakh hectares over last year. Crops such as maize, barley, jowar, and small millets have shown healthy expansion.
The oilseeds segment has also recorded robust progress, crossing 76.64 lakh hectares, up by 3.94 lakh hectares. The growth has been driven mainly by rapeseed and mustard, which alone accounts for 73.80 lakh hectares, an increase of 4.22 lakh hectares.
Favourable weather conditions and timely sowing operations have contributed to this positive trend. With sowing still underway in several regions, the final coverage figures are expected to rise further in the coming weeks.