Which crop is sown on the largest area in India?

The crop sown on the largest area in India is rice (paddy). According to the latest data for 2025, rice cultivation covers the most extensive area among all crops, with figures around 364.8 lakh hectares (36.48 million hectares) during the main Kharif season, which is significantly higher than other major crops like wheat, coarse cereals, and pulses.

• Rice is followed by wheat (mainly in the Rabi season), but rice consistently has the greatest sown area on an annual basis.
• The predominance of rice reflects its status as a staple food for a majority of India's population and its suitability across diverse climatic regions in the country.