As per preliminary reports received from the States, the total area sown under Rabi crops as on November 18, 2016 stands at India's rabi crop sowing was recorded at 24.17 million hectares, as compared to 24.33 million hectare sowed as on same date the previous year.
As on November 18, 2016, wheat has been sown/transplanted in 7.94 million hectares, pulses in 7.45 million hectares, coarse cereals in 2.59 million hectares and area sown under oilseeds in 56.16 million hectares, Indian agriculture ministry said in a statement.
Wheat, pulses and oil seeds has recorded an increase in sowing, whereas coarse cereals have dropped in the current rabi season, the statement adds.
The area sown so far and that sown during last year this time is as follows:
(MN) Lakh hectare
| Crop | Area sown in 2016-17 | Area sown in 2015-16 |
| Wheat | 79.40 (7.94) | 78.83 (7.88) |
| Pulses | 74.55 (7.45) | 69.98 (6.99) |
| Coarse Cereals | 25.98 (2.59) | 37.86 (3.78) |
| Oilseeds | 56.16 (5.16) | 48.74 (4.87) |
| Total | 241.73 (24.17) | 243.38 (24.33) |