Area under wheat has fallen by 36 per cent to 78.83 lakh hectares the rabi season so far compared to 107.35 lakh hectares in the year-ago period.
"As per preliminary reports received from the fields, total area sown under rabi crops as on 20 November, 2015 stands at 242.16 lakh hectare," Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.
Total area sown under rabi crops was at 276.94 lakh hectares at the same time last year.
Similarly area under oilseeds has also dipped to 50.56 lakh hectares from 60.51 lakh hectares.
Area under rice has also come down to 0.24 lakh hectares from 0.80 lakh hectares in the year-ago period.
While area under coarse cereals has increased to 38.48 lakh hectares as of now from 30.87 lakh hectares in the year-ago period.
