Rabi Crop Acreage in Gujarat Lags Significantly Behind Last Year

Ahmedabad. The sowing of Rabi crops in Gujarat is progressing at a very slow pace, primarily due to delays in the harvesting of Kharif crops and a lack of soil moisture in the fields.

According to the latest data from the State Agriculture Department, the total area under Rabi crops in Gujarat reached 25,248 hectares by November 2 this year—a decrease of 68,726 hectares compared to the 93,974 hectares recorded during the same period last year.

Compared to the previous year, the area under cereal crops in Gujarat has increased from 1,337 hectares to 1,602 hectares. However, the area sown with pulses has dropped from 75,965 hectares to 7,998 hectares, while the area under oilseeds has fallen sharply from 27,047 hectares to 5,396 hectares.

The acreage for sugarcane has also declined, from 17,763 hectares to 4,430 hectares. Among spice crops, the sowing of cumin, coriander, and fennel has commenced, with their current acreage exceeding last year’s figures; meanwhile, the sowing of Isabgol (psyllium) has yet to begin.

The area under chickpeas has decreased from 15,965 hectares to 5,248 hectares, and the area under mustard has fallen from 27,047 hectares to 5,383 hectares.