Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel maintained that since sowing is still ongoing in some parts of the state, the sowing area is expected to increase further. The rise is being attributed to favorable rains during the season and record-breaking prices received by farmers for Rabi crops last year. The sowing area of 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.
The wheat sowing area increased from 12.20 lakh hectares last year to 13.42 lakh hectares. There was a notable increase in the area of pulse crops, from 6.75 hactares last year to 9.11 lakh hectares, with a significant rise in gram cultivation. The area of 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 slide increase. This shift indicates a positive trend for grains and pulses in the state but suggests challenges for certain oilseeds and spice crops.
Presentation -Dibyabharati Nayak