Positive Crop Coverage and Conditions

India’s rabi crop coverage and condition are reportedly better than last year, with sowing nearly complete. As of January 17, the total rabi crop acreage reached 64 million hectares (mh), compared to 63.7 mh during the same period last year.

While rising temperatures in the northwestern plains, a key wheat-producing region, have raised some concerns, scientists have dismissed fears of significant crop impact.

Government Focus on Monitoring and Support

Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting with officials to review rabi sowing progress, weather conditions, and pest surveillance through the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS). The Minister emphasized regular collaboration with state governments to resolve local-level farming challenges effectively.

Expert Opinion on Temperature Impact

Former Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) director Gyanendra Singh stated that occasional temperature increases during this period are normal and typically do not adversely affect wheat crops.

The Indian Meteorological Department forecasted scattered rainfall and snowfall in the western Himalayan region until January 23. Isolated rainfall is also expected in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh on January 22–23, while Rajasthan and western Madhya Pradesh may experience light showers on January 22.

Wheat and Pulses Lead Rabi Crop Sowing

The sowing data for the ongoing rabi season shows:

• Wheat acreage increased by 1.38% to 32 mh, up from 31.56 mh last year.
• Pulses acreage rose to 14.17 mh, compared to 13.93 mh in the previous season.
• Coarse cereals saw a slight decline, covering 5.45 mh, compared to 5.46 mh last year.

Crop-Specific Sowing Progress

• Gram (chana): 9.83 mh.
• Lentil (masur): 1.74 mh.
• Maize: 2.29 mh.
• Jowar: 2.39 mh.
• Oilseeds: Dropped to 9.76 mh from 10.18 mh last year.

Sowing appears complete for wheat, as no further increase was observed during the January 13–20 period. The Ministry reported that market prices for wheat, rice, gram, mustard, and sesame are higher than their respective Minimum Support Prices (MSPs). However, prices of other crops were not mentioned.

Conclusion

India’s rabi crops are in good shape despite slight weather variations. With sowing nearing completion and market prices for major crops above MSP, the outlook for this season appears positive.

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