india wheat planting to rebound despite 5.5% decrease in acreage
Published on: November 17, 2023.
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Indian farmers have planted wheat on approximately 8.6 million hectares since the start of the current sowing season on October 1, a decrease of nearly 5.5% compared to the previous year, according to sources. The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare expects the wheat area to increase in the coming weeks. These initial planting figures are subject to revision depending on weather conditions.
The lower wheat planting can be attributed to a delayed rice harvest. However, trade and industry officials believe that higher prices will encourage farmers to expand the wheat cultivation area this year. India, the second-largest wheat producer in the world after China, primarily grows wheat in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the central state of Madhya Pradesh. The country cultivates only one wheat crop per year, with planting taking place between October and November, and harvesting occurring from March.
Last year, New Delhi was compelled to ban wheat exports due to a sudden temperature increase in March that led to reduced crop yields. Despite the export ban, wheat prices have surged, prompting the government to release state reserves into the open market.
The sowing of rapeseed, the main winter-planted oilseed, remained relatively stable at approximately 6.9 million hectares. A higher output of rapeseed will help reduce India’s costly imports of cooking oils. The country spends over $15 billion annually on importing palm oil from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, as well as soyoil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine. Policymakers have expressed concerns about the rising import bill for vegetable oil.
In conclusion, while wheat planting in India has experienced a decline this year, expectations remain optimistic for an increase in the coming weeks. Additionally, stable sowing of rapeseed indicates a positive outlook for reducing the country’s reliance on expensive cooking oil imports.
Source: [Zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/news/indian-farmers-plant-less-wheat-as-they-respond-to-delayed-rice-harvest-kkcro4hn)
