Rabi Crop Sowing Crosses 632 Lakh Hectares; MSP Hikes Announced for 2025-26

Key Highlights

• Rabi sowing surpasses 632 lakh hectares, led by wheat at 320 lakh hectares.
• Pulses cover 139.81 lakh hectares; coarse cereals at 53.55 lakh hectares.
• MSP for wheat increased by ₹150 per quintal; rapeseed & mustard by ₹300 per quintal.
• MSP hikes ensure returns 1.5 times the production cost, with 105% profit margin for wheat.
• Government aims to boost farmer income and encourage crop diversification.

India has achieved a major milestone in its agricultural sector, with Rabi crop sowing exceeding 632 lakh hectares this season. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, key crops like wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals have seen significant growth in cultivation area. Alongside this progress, the government has announced higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for key Rabi crops for the 2025-26 marketing season.

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Record Rabi Crop Coverage

The Rabi season, which spans October to March, is critical for India’s food security. As per official reports:

• Wheat has been sown on approximately 320 lakh hectares, up from 315.63 lakh hectares during the same period last year.
• Pulses cover 139.81 lakh hectares, showing strong farmer participation.
• Coarse cereals, including Shri Anna, have been sown on 53.55 lakh hectares.

This increase highlights the efforts of Indian farmers and favorable conditions for Rabi crops this year.

MSP Hikes to Support Farmers

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved MSP hikes for all major Rabi crops to boost farmer incomes and encourage sustainable farming. Here are the key increases:

• Rapeseed & Mustard: ₹300 per quintal increase.
• Lentil (Masur): ₹275 per quintal increase.
• Gram (Chana): ₹210 per quintal increase.
• Wheat: ₹150 per quintal increase.
• Safflower: ₹140 per quintal increase.
• Barley: ₹130 per quintal increase.

Better Returns and Crop Diversification

The revised MSP aligns with the government’s promise to ensure farmers earn at least 1.5 times the cost of production, as announced in the 2018-19 Union Budget. For the upcoming marketing season, farmers are expected to see strong profit margins, including:

• 105% for wheat.
• 98% for rapeseed & mustard.
• 89% for lentil.

These increases aim to not only improve farmer incomes but also to promote the cultivation of diverse crops to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem.

Also Read: Haryana Government Seeks Farmers Suggestions to Boost Agricultural Growth

CMV360 Says

The rise in Rabi crop sowing and the MSP hikes demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting India’s farmers. With record sowing figures and better price assurances, the agricultural sector is assured of a promising 2025-26 marketing season.