Weak Due to monsoon, so far in the current season, the area under sowing of Kharif crops like paddy has decreased by 16 percent to 531.25 lakh hectares. According to the latest data released by the Agriculture Ministry, till July 10, total Kharif crops have been sown in 531.25 lakh hectares, whereas in the same period last year this figure was 632.69 lakh hectares. Sowing of kharif (summer) crops usually occurs with the onset of the south-west monsoon in June. However, this year sowing has been delayed due to weak monsoon due to the effect of El Nino and most of the farming done in India still depends on monsoon rains. In India, the maximum effect of El Nino is seen in 9 to 10 states. These include Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra, coastal areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, North Karnataka, eastern part of Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand.
Paddy sowing area decreased by 8.63 percent
The area under sowing of paddy declined by 8.63 percent to 114.69 lakh hectares, whereas a year ago it was 125.53 lakh hectares. The area under sowing of pulses declined by 23.31 percent to 56.63 lakh hectares from the earlier 73.85 lakh hectares. Among pulses, the area under sowing of arhar was 19.54 lakh hectares as against 28.03 lakh hectares a year ago, while the area of urad was 9.34 lakh hectares as against 13.29 lakh hectares last year. Similarly, the area under sowing of moong decreased from 24.08 lakh hectares to 21.52 lakh hectares.
Big decline of 22.47 percent in sowing of coarse grains
Talking about coarse grains, its area also decreased by 22.47 percent to 98.69 lakh hectares as compared to last year’s 127.30 lakh hectares. The area under sowing of oilseeds declined by 21 percent to 117.83 lakh hectares as compared to last year’s 149.18 lakh hectares. Among oilseeds, the area under sowing of soybean declined by 16 per cent to 90.51 lakh hectares from 107.72 lakh hectares a year ago.
Area of sowing of Kharif crops (in lakh hectares)
| crop name | Area in 2025 (lakh hectares) | Area in 2026 (lakh hectares) | Percentage change (fall (-) / rise (+)) |
| total kharif crops | 632.69 | 531.25 | -16.00% |
| Rice | 125.53 | 114.69 | -8.63% |
| Total Pulses | 73.85 | 56.63 | -23.31% |
| Pigeon pea | 28.03 | 19.54 | -30.28% |
| urad | 13.29 | 9.34 | -29.72% |
| Moong | 24.08 | 21.52 | -10.63% |
| Coarse Cereals | 127.30 | 98.69 | -22.47% |
| Total Oilseeds | 149.18 | 117.83 | -21.00% |
| Soybean | 107.72 | 90.51 | -16.00% |
| Cotton | 93.95 | 79.54 | -15.33% |
| Sugarcane | 56.72 | 57.58 | +1.51% |
| Jute/Mesta | 6.16 | 6.28 | +1.94% |
Increase in sugarcane and June sowing
The area under sugarcane cultivation increased slightly to 57.58 lakh hectares from 56.72 lakh hectares, while the area under jute or mesta increased to 6.28 lakh hectares from 6.16 lakh hectares earlier. Among cash crops, sowing of cotton has declined. So far in this Kharif season, the area under cotton has declined by 15.33 percent to 79.54 lakh hectares, whereas in the same period last year it was 93.95 lakh hectares.
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There is no shortage of seeds for Kharif crop season, timely delivery of supply is a matter of concern.
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
