Context:

• According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in January 2026, sowing during the ongoing Rabi season (2025–26) has shown significant progress.

Key Highlights:

• Total sown area: As of 2 January 2026, Rabi crops have been sown over 634.14 lakh hectares across the country.
• Wheat has been sown over 312 lakh hectares, while paddy transplantation has covered 42 lakh hectares.
• Pulses have been sown over 140 lakh hectares, which is 10 lakh hectares more than last year.
• Shri Anna and coarse cereals cover about 55 lakh hectares, and oilseeds have been sown over more than 86 lakh hectares.
• Major producing states: Wheat acreage has increased in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab, while Rajasthan has shown good progress in oilseed cultivation.
• Strong growth recorded in Rabi sowing.
• Total cultivated area has increased by 16.4 lakh hectares compared to the previous year.
• Pulse cultivation area increased by 3.43 lakh hectares.
• Gram (chickpea) sowing recorded a notable increase of 4.66 lakh hectares.
• The total Rabi cropped area has reached 634.14 lakh hectares, reflecting steady seasonal progress.

Rabi Crops

• Major crops sown in winter (October–November) and harvested in spring (March–April).
• Sowing period: October to December, after the monsoon ends and temperatures begin to fall.
• Harvesting period: March to May.
• Climate requirement: Cool climate at the time of sowing and dry, warm conditions during maturity.
• Major crops: Wheat, barley, oats (cereals); gram, peas, lentils (pulses); mustard, linseed (oilseeds); and potato.

Important Information

• The Government has approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi 2025–26, effective from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.
• These rates apply to phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including DAP and NPKS grades.
• The estimated budgetary requirement for Rabi 2025–26 is about ₹37,952 crore, nearly ₹736 crore higher than the Kharif 2025 budget.
• From 2022–23 to 2024–25, over ₹2.04 lakh crore has been allocated for NBS subsidies, ensuring affordable fertilizer availability.
• NBS has led to a significant increase in domestic fertilizer production.
• P&K (DAP & NPKS) fertilizer production increased from 112.19 LMT in 2014 to 168.55 LMT in 2025 (as of 30.12.2025), marking over 50% growth.

Kharif Crops

• Sowing period: June–July (with the onset of the monsoon).
• Harvesting period: September–October.
• Major crops: Paddy (rice), maize, sorghum, pearl millet, cotton, soybean, groundnut, and pigeon pea (arhar).
• Characteristic: Require more water and warm climatic conditions.

Zaid Crops

• Short-duration crops grown during the summer gap between Rabi and Kharif seasons.
• Sowing period: March–April.
• Harvesting period: May–June.
• Major crops: Watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, moong, and various vegetables and fodder crops.
• Characteristic: Can withstand intense heat and dry winds.

Classification of Crops (Based on Use)

• Food crops: Wheat, rice, maize, millet.
• Cash crops: Cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and oilseeds (grown mainly for sale and profit).
• Beverage crops: Tea and coffee.
• Horticultural crops: Fruits, flowers, and vegetables.