India: Decline in Pulses Sowing Area But Increased Wheat Cultivation
Wheat Cultivation Expands in Rabi Season
In the current Rabi season, wheat cultivation has risen significantly. The sown area increased by 1.3 million hectares, reaching 20.035 million hectares, compared to 18.797 million hectares during the same period last year. This growth reflects farmers' growing interest in wheat, influenced by favorable conditions and government support.Rabi crops as a whole have been sown across 42.8 million hectares, about 1.7 million hectares more than last year, according to data released by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on December 2.
Decline in Pulses Sowing Area
While wheat cultivation has grown, the sowing area for pulses like gram, peas, and lentils has dropped. The total pulses area stands at 10.895 million hectares, a modest increase from 10.514 million hectares last year. However, gram cultivation declined by 0.4 million hectares, settling at 7.439 million hectares. Similarly, lentil and pea sowing areas fell by 0.01 million hectares each, indicating a shift in focus among farmers.Agricultural experts remain optimistic, noting that December provides ample time for sowing. They suggest the current decline could reverse as farmers complete their planting in the coming weeks.
Other Crops Shows Ups & Downs
Coarse grain cultivation has grown this season, reaching 2.924 million hectares, an increase of 0.4 million hectares from 2.467 million hectares last year. However, winter maize sowing dropped to 0.653 million hectares, 0.03 million hectares less than last year’s 0.687 million hectares.Paddy cultivation also declined, with the area shrinking to 0.916 million hectares, down by 0.06 million hectares compared to 0.975 million hectares last year. These trends reflect evolving farmer preferences and crop economics during the Rabi season.
Factors Driving Wheat Growth
Agricultural experts attribute the expansion in wheat cultivation to several factors. Above-average monsoon rainfall ensured sufficient soil moisture, boosting germination rates. Additionally, the government’s increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat encouraged farmers to prioritize the crop. These favorable conditions, combined with strong demand, are driving wheat's popularity this season.Although the current sowing area for pulses has declined, experts believe it could increase in the coming weeks as farmers complete planting. The higher nutritional and market value of pulses, coupled with government support, may attract more farmers to these crops before the season ends.
Conclusion
This Rabi season highlights contrasting trends: a rise in wheat cultivation and a decline in pulses and paddy sowing areas. While wheat has benefited from favorable conditions and government policies, pulses and other crops still have time to recover. As planting progresses, the final figures will reveal whether these trends persist or shift in the weeks ahead.Click here to reach our trading platfrom CMBroker
