Planting of rabi or winter crops such as pulses, oilseeds and sugarcane has begun in some parts of the country, according to preliminary reports.

The Agriculture Ministry on Friday said that pulses including chana or gram have been sown on 8.8 lakh hectares (lh) so far against 5.98 lh in the corresponding period last year. Similarly, sugarcane has been planted on about 81,000 hectares against 80,000 hectares last year.

Oilseeds have been sown on 2.63 lh against 8.51 lh last year on delayed start in planting of rapeseed and mustard. High soil moisture and comfortable water levels in the reservoirs across the country have boosted the prospects for the rabi season.

Excess rains

After excess rains in June-September, the precipitation has continued to be higher than normal during October. According to the Indian Meterological Department, the rainfall across the country during October 1-24 was 51 per cent more than normal. Twenty two metrological sub-divisions received excess rains during the period, while three had normal and the remaining 11 received deficient rains.

Also the increase in minimum support prices for key crops such as wheat and rapeseed mustard by Rs 50/quintal should aid rabi acreage. Against last year’s rabi acreage of 62.9 million hectares, the Government expects winter crops to be planted on about 62-65 million hectares this year.

The Government is targeting rabi oilseed output of 10.5 million tonnes this year against 10.14 million tonnes last year. Wheat acreage is expected to be 29 million hectares, same as last year. Wheat production target has been pegged at 92.5 million tonnes, same as last year.

Except for rice, the planting of kharif crops has ended and harvest of paddy, oilseeds and pulses has begun. Till date, the total rice acreage is 383.57 lh against 374.73 lh last year.

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