The sowing area for Rabi crops in Gujarat has increased significantly, reaching 47.55 lakh hectares, which is an increase of about 2.35 lakh hectares compared to the same period last year (45.20 lakh hectares). This increase is mainly observed in coarse grains and pulses, though the area for oilseeds, sugarcane, and certain spice crops (particularly cumin) has decreased.

Key points:

1. Wheat: The wheat sowing area increased from 12.20 lakh hectares last year to 13.42 lakh hectares.
2. Maize: The area improved from 1.11 lakh hectares to 1.33 lakh hectares.
3. Coarse Grains: The total area for cereal crops grew from 13.69 lakh hectares to 15.04 lakh hectares, with maize showing a positive growth but jowar dropping significantly from 22,000 hectares to 13,000 hectares.
4. Pulses: There was a notable increase in the area of pulse crops, from 6.75 lakh hectares last year to 9.11 lakh hectares, with a significant rise in gram cultivation (from 6.29 lakh hectares to 8.40 lakh hectares).
5. Oilseeds: Oilseeds saw a decline, with the total sowing area dropping from 2.77 lakh hectares to 2.60 lakh hectares, and mustard cultivation falling from 2.77 lakh hectares to 2.58 lakh hectares.
6. Spices: The area for cumin decreased from 5.61 lakh hectares to 4.74 lakh hectares. Other spice crops such as fennel and isabgol also saw reductions, while coriander saw a slight increase (from 1.27 lakh hectares to over 1.29 lakh hectares).

This shift indicates a positive trend for grains and pulses in the state but suggests challenges for certain oilseed and spice crops.