The total area sown under Rabi crops as on December 15, 2017 stands at 514.22 lakh hectares as compared to 509.12 lakh hectare this time in 2016.
As per preliminary reports received from the states, wheat has been sown/transplanted in 245.50 lakh hectares compared to 250.48 lakh hectares as on December 15, 2016, while rice has been sown in 12.88 lakh hectares compared to 9.25 lakh hectares this time in 2016.
Besides, pulses has been sown in 138.19 lakh hectares, coarse cereals in 46.93 lakh hectares and oilseeds has been sown in 70.73 lakh hectares.