Rabi pulses area up at 4.5 lakh ha in early sowing
For rabi season, the Centre has announced a minimum support price of ₹5,875 per quintal for chana, an increase of ₹225 over the previous season
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NAGARA GOPAL
Farmers across the country have planted rabi pulses such as chana and lentils in about 4.5 lakh hectares till October 24, an increase of 2.74 per cent over same period last year’s 4.38 lakh ha.
Chana, the main rabi season pulses crop, has been planted in 3.19 lakh ha till 24th October, up 10.38 per cent over same period last year’s 2.89 lakh ha. However, the lentils area is down by around 29 per cent at 0.49 lakh ha over same period last year’s 0.69 lakh ha. Similarly, the field pea area is also down by 28 per cent at 0.36 lakh ha (0.5 lakh ha in corresponding previous year), as per the Agriculture Ministry data.
Kulthi or horsegram has been planted in 0.19 lakh ha, up 46 per cent over corresponding previous year’s 0.13 lakh ha. Urad bean has been planted in about 0.07 lakh ha (0.03 lakh ha).
The extended monsoon has led to higher residual soil moisture levels and is seen favourable for farmers to take up the rabi plantings. Also, the higher water levels in reservoirs are seen aiding the trend.
“Soil moisture is good across many states due to good rains. In areas, where the moisture levels are high, farmers may prefer to plant wheat, as the prices of wheat were good throughout the year compared to lentils. Also, the forecast of colder than usual winter may prompt farmers to prefer planting wheat this rabi season,” said Rahul Chauhan of Igrain India.
For rabi season, the Centre has announced a minimum support price of ₹5,875 per quintal for chana, an increase of ₹225 over the previous season. Similarly, the MSP for lentils has been increased by ₹300 to ₹7,000 per quintal for lentils.
Masoor prices are ruling in the range of ₹5,600-8,000 per quintal, depending on the quality in various markets of North India. Similarly, the chana prices are ruling in the range of ₹5,000-6,000, depending on the quality in various markets.
Published on October 28, 2025
