Wheat sowing area in India rises to record level

India's winter wheat sowing area has soared to a record high this season, surpassing last year's 32.8 million hectares. Farmers are opting for the winter crop amid low prices for most other crops. With favorable weather conditions over the next two to three months, India is on track to harvest a record crop, potentially lifting a four-year ban on wheat exports.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, as of January 2, 33.42 million hectares had been sown with wheat, which is 2% more than last year (32.8 million hectares). Since sowing is still ongoing and data is coming in with a delay, the total area by the end of the season could reach 33.5–33.6 million hectares, the agency noted.

The increase in wheat area comes amid a 2.6% increase in total rabi area to 63.4 million hectares. In addition to wheat, areas under sorghum, mustard and rice have also increased significantly, indicating a stable development of the winter sowing season.

Analysts note that the record wheat acreage confirms the trend of farmers to grow the most profitable crops, and favorable weather and government support could provide India with another strong harvest in the 2025/26 MY.