Rabi Sowing Commences on healthy note; Cropped Area remains above Last Year till Now

The delayed retreat of monsoons had adversely impacted Kharif crop yields but this had favored rise in soil moisture levels, supporting the Rabi sowing operation. Better prices of major Rabi crops like Chana and Mustard have encouraged farmers to increase seeding of these two crops. When compared to March-April price levels, Chana has appreciated by approximately 14% while Mustard prices are up 45% nearly. As per trade sources land under Chana cultivation till now has increased to 57.44 lakh hectares as against 44 Lakh hectares during last year corresponding period. Similarly, mustard’s cropped area has presently reached 52.25 Lakh hectares versus 48.01 Lakh hectares during last year corresponding period. The acreage for major Rabi crops has advanced to 18.514 million hectares as on November 20^th, versus 15.301 million hectares at this time last year. However the area currently lags behind the recent five year average of 20.233 million hectares. 

Planting operations has progressed as per the market expectations. The seeded area in pulses is now seen at 6.272 million hectares and remains slightly ahead of the recent five year average. Oilseed plantings are also modestly ahead of average according to official figures. There are expectations of oilseed plantings, to be significantly above last year. The Government aims to increase seeding area of pulses as well. The planted numbers of various oilseeds and pulses crops are given below:  

Source: Mandi Traders