Rabi sowing headed for record this year

Subject: Agriculture

Context: Agriculture Ministry released data on acreage with record sowing for Rabi crops like wheat, gram and mustard.

Concept:

According to data released by the Agriculture Ministry on Friday, rabi crops have so far been planted over nearly 652 lakh hectares (lha), nearly two per cent more than around 642 lha covered in the corresponding week last year.
Country is heading for a record high with wheat, gram and mustard already surpassing the best acreage in the past.
Good rainfall in September and October and high premium commanded by wheat from region in Central Peninsular India (MP and Maharashtra) ked to diversion from chickpea to wheat.
This fall in acreage of Gram was offset by increased acreage of Gram in Maharashtra and Gujrat. This led to pulses acreage highest at 162 lha (2% rise).
Even Oilseeds saw acreage growth. In spite of it falling under Oilseed Mission target of 80 lakh hectares, it was at record high at 73 lha.
Boost in mustard sowing was due to:

1. FSSAI’s timely decision to not allow blending of other oils in mustard oil.
2. Mustard fetching higher price in market than MSP.
3. Constant focus of Oilseeds Mission.

About Rabi crops:

Concept:

Rabi crops or Rabi harvest are agricultural crops sown in winter and harvested in the spring in the South Asia.
The term is derived from the Arabic word for “spring”, which is used in the Indian subcontinent, where it is the spring harvest (also known as the “winter crop”).
The rabi crops are sown around mid-November, after the monsoon rains are over, and harvesting begins in April/May.
The crops are grown either with rainwater that has percolated into the ground, or with irrigation.

Some important Rabi Crops are:

About FSSAI

The FSSAI is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
It has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
It is headed by a non-executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.