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India’s overall rabi crop sowing has risen 12% in the week ended November 21, led by wheat, which surged 19% to 128.37 lakh hectares. Strong soil moisture from post-monsoon rainfall and nearly full reservoirs supported the higher acreage. MSP hikes and early kharif harvests further encouraged sowing. Pulses acreage rose 8%, with gram up 9%, lentils slightly higher, and maize and nutri-cereals gaining despite below-MSP prices. Mustard/rapeseed coverage was up 6%, while other oilseeds grew moderately. Rice sowing increased marginally. Overall, early sowing trends indicate a favorable rabi season and a potential positive impact on domestic crop output.

Key Highlights

* Overall rabi acreage up 12% at 306.31 lakh hectares.

* Wheat sowing jumps 19% to 128.37 lakh hectares.

* Pulses acreage rises 8%, with gram up 9%.

* Maize and nutri-cereal sowing increase 14% despite low prices.

* Mustard/rapeseed area up 6%, oilseeds grow moderately.

India’s rabi crop sowing has shown strong growth this season, with overall acreage rising 12% to 306.31 lakh hectares in the week ended November 21. Wheat led the surge, with sowing up 19% at 128.37 lakh hectares, covering over a third of the normal acreage of 312.35 lakh hectares. Rice sowing increased marginally to 8.26 lakh hectares.

The robust sowing performance is supported by favorable weather conditions. Post-monsoon rainfall from October 1 was 27% higher than normal, with north-western regions receiving more than double the average rainfall, while central India recorded 52% above-normal precipitation. Additionally, major reservoirs in the country are filled to nearly 90% capacity, ensuring adequate irrigation. Higher MSPs for key crops and the early kharif harvest also encouraged farmers to plant early.

Among pulses, acreage rose 8% to 73.36 lakh hectares, with gram leading at 52.71 lakh hectares. Lentils, kulthi, and field pea sowing improved slightly, though urad, moong, and lathyrus trailed. Maize and other nutri-cereals gained 14% to 19.29 lakh hectares despite below-MSP prices. Among oilseeds, mustard/rapeseed led with a 6% rise to 73.8 lakh hectares, while overall oilseed acreage increased 5.4%.

The positive sowing trend across major rabi crops suggests potential for a strong domestic output this season. Early planting supported by good rainfall and reservoir levels could stabilize prices and ensure food security.

Finally, early rabi sowing trends indicate robust crop coverage, supported by good rains and reservoir levels, suggesting a favorable season for production and market stability.

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