Rabi crop sowing surpasses 479L hectares nationwide

New Delhi: The total area sown under rabi crops in the ongoing winter season has exceeded 479 lakh hectares (as on December 5), according to latest government data.

This is an increase of 27.89 lakh hectare compared with the corresponding figure of 451.12 lakh hectares in the same period last year.

Also, 106.21 lakh hectare area is now covered under pulses, compared to 105.78 lakh hectare during the corresponding period of last year, according to Agriculture Ministry.

While 36.28 lakh hectare area coverage under ‘Shri Anna and Coarse Cereals’ has been reported till December 5, oilseeds have crossed 84 lakh hectares.

The increase in sown area is expected to lead to higher production, which in turn would increase the incomes of farmers and also help to keep food inflation in check.

The official figures show that the area under wheat has shot up by 23.59 lakh hectares to 241.40 lakh hectares from 217.81 lakh hectares during the same period last year.