Area under pulses rose by 9 per cent to 150.63 lakh hectares but wheat acreage declined to 273.85 lakh hectares in the ongoing
rabi (winter-sown) season so far. Area under pulses was 150.63 lakh hectares so far in this rabi season as against 138.34 lakh hectares in the year- ago period.
As per latest report, wheat acreage fell to 273.85 lakh hectares from 290.74 lakh hectares during the period under review. "As per preliminary reports received from the states, the total area sown under rabi crops as on December 29, 2017 stands at 565.79 lakh hectares as compared to 571.47 lakh hectare this time in 2016," the statement said.
Rice acreage is up at 16.33 lakh hectares from 11.55 lakh hectares. However, sowing area of coarse cereals is down marginally at 50.71 lakh hectares from 51.28 lakh hectares. Oilseeds acreage, too, is down at 74.27 lakh hectares from 79.56 lakh hectares. India produced a record 275.68 million tonnes of foodgrain in the 2016-17 crop year (July-June).
Crops which are grown during the winter season (October-March) are called Rabi crops. Seeds of these crops are sown in the beginning of the winter season. After maturation of crops, they are harvested at the end of the winter season (April- May).