Rabi Crop Sowing Declines by 7% as Wheat, Mustard, and Chana Lose Ground

The total area under rabi crops in India dropped by 7.4%, reaching 14,606 million hectares (mh) as of November 8, compared to 15,773 mh last year. Wheat, chana (gram), mustard, and jowar experienced significant declines, according to preliminary state reports.

Wheat Sowing Down 15.5%

Wheat, the flagship crop of the rabi season, saw a 15.5% decrease in acreage, standing at 4,130 mh compared to 4,887 mh last year. Experts caution that wheat sowing must be completed by November 20 in northwestern plains to avoid a penalty on yields. Farmers may face challenges if sowing gets delayed.

Mustard, Chana, and Jowar Face Challenges

• Chana acreage dropped 10.4% to 2,457 mh from 2,742 mh.
• Mustard, another key rabi crop, fell by 1.6% to 4,990 mh, slightly below last year’s 5,073 mh.
• Jowar, grown in both kharif and rabi seasons, saw a 25.1% reduction, with sowing at 669 mh against 893 mh a year earlier.

Bright Spots: Masur and Maize Gain Ground

• Masur (lentil) sowing increased by 11.2%, reaching 428 mh from 385 mh.
• Maize, though less prominent, surged 50.3%, with acreage at 271 mh, compared to 180 mh last year.
• Winter paddy sowing remained steady at 704 mh, slightly above 699 mh a year ago.

Water Storage Levels Add Complexity

Reservoirs in northern states such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan reported storage at 62% of capacity, compared to 76% last year. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh showed improved water availability. These variations may influence sowing decisions.

Fertilizer Supply and Crop Choices Under Scrutiny

Experts emphasize the timely availability of fertilizers to ensure wheat yields meet expectations. In Uttar Pradesh, farmers face a dilemma between planting wheat or sugarcane due to delays in announcing the State Advised Price (SAP) for sugarcane. Current wheat prices, however, remain highly lucrative.

Conclusion: Stay Alert for Rabi Crop Trends

Lower rabi crop acreage, particularly in wheat, raises concerns about meeting production targets. The government’s goal includes 115 million tonnes (mt) of wheat, 13.8 mt of mustard, and 13.65 mt of chana. Close monitoring of sowing trends and market prices is essential for farmers and traders. Investing in wheat may prove beneficial if prices continue to stay strong, but timely sowing will be crucial.



Click here to reach our trading platfrom CMBroker