India's Kharif Sowing Declines Amid El Niño and Monsoon Delays
As of 10 July, kharif crop sowing in India reached 53.12 million hectares, down from 63.25 million hectares last year, according to government data. Key crops like paddy, pulses, and oilseeds have seen significant declines. Paddy sowing is at 11.47 million hectares, a decrease of 1.08 million hectares from the previous year. Oilseed acreage has dropped by 3.13 million hectares to 11.78 million hectares. The southwest monsoon, crucial for agriculture, is expected to deliver below-normal rainfall, with forecasts indicating 90% of the long-period average for the June-September season. Despite these challenges, experts suggest that sowing may improve as rainfall deficits narrow. Adequate rainfall in July and August is essential for supporting crop output and managing inflation.
Published 1 day ago • 13 Jul 2026, 10:01 PM IST