Synopsis
As of February 4, New Delhi reports that the sown area for rabi crops has exceeded 661 lakh hectares, up from 651 lakh hectares last year. Significant increases in wheat and pulses are noted, promising better production and potential relief from inflation.Key Takeaways
- Total rabi crop area reaches 661.03 lakh hectares.
- Wheat sowing increases to 324.38 lakh hectares.
- Pulses area rises to 140.89 lakh hectares.
- Retail inflation falls to 5.22 percent.
- Optimistic growth outlook for agriculture.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) The total farmland area cultivated across the nation for various rabi crops during the current season has surpassed 661.03 lakh hectares, an increase from 651.42 lakh hectares at the same time last year, according to official statistics released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare on Tuesday.
The area dedicated to wheat cultivation has risen to 324.38 lakh hectares (ha) from 318.33 lakh ha during the same period last year, which is anticipated to lead to an uptick in cereal production for the season. Agricultural experts also predict that winter rainfall will aid the crop.
The area under pulses has expanded to 140.89 lakh ha, compared to 137.80 lakh ha during the same timeframe last year. This increase is a positive sign, as it may help stabilize pulse prices that have been contributing to inflation.
Additionally, 55.25 lakh ha has been reported under Shri Anna and coarse cereals. The area allocated for rice has increased to 42.54 lakh hectares, up from 40.59 lakh hectares last year.
The uptick in the total sown area this year is a welcome trend, as it is expected to boost production of essential food items and assist in curbing inflation within the economy.
Moving forward, food inflation is projected to decline, and the economic growth outlook remains “cautiously optimistic” for the upcoming months, as the agricultural sector is poised to benefit from favorable monsoon conditions, higher minimum support prices, and sufficient supply of inputs, according to the Finance Ministry's monthly economic review.
India's retail inflation rate, based on the Consumer Price Index, dropped to a four-month low of 5.22 percent in December, as prices of vegetables, pulses, and sugar moderated, providing relief to household budgets, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Statistics.
The reduction in inflation reflects a consistent downward trend after reaching a 14-month high of 6.21 percent in October. CPI inflation decreased to 5.48 percent in November.
The decline in retail inflation in December was primarily attributed to the easing of the price surge in essential food items.
