The sowing of Rabi crops has been very brisk in the last one week, as per preliminary reports received on the sowing of crops from different states. The total rabi sown area during the week ending December 20, 2013 stands at 536.37 lakh hectare as compared to 507.26 lakh hectare at this time last year.
Total Pulses have been sown in 126.84 lakh hectare so far in the current Rabi season as compared to 121.22 lakh hectare sown in 2012-13 season. Besides, oilseeds have been sown in 79.50 lakh hectare as compared to 76.30 lakh hectare last year.
Further, wheat has been sown in 273.97 lakh hectare so far compared to 253.20 lakh hectare last year while coarse cereals has been sown in 53.92 lakh hectare so far compared to 54.81 lakh hectare sown last year. Rabi rice has been sown in 2.14 lakh hectare.