♦ According to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the total area sown under rabi crops in the ongoing winter season has increased to 634.14 lakh hectares as of January 7, marking a rise of 16.4 lakh hectares compared to the same period last year (2025). 

♦ The increase from 617.74 lakh hectares last year is expected to support higher agricultural output, improve farm incomes and help contain food inflation.

♦ Official figures show that the area under wheat has risen to 334.17 lakh hectares, up from 328.04 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year. Sowing under pulses, including urad, lentil (masur), gram and moong, has increased by 3.44 lakh hectares to 134.3 lakh hectares.

♦ The area under coarse cereals or millets such as jowar, bajra and ragi has grown to 51.79 lakh hectares, compared to 50.66 lakh hectares a year earlier. 

♦ Oilseeds, including rapeseed and mustard, have also recorded an increase, with the sown area rising to 96.3 lakh hectares from 93.27 lakh hectares last year.