Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Kharif sowing recovers with July rainfall
Farmers in India have increased the area they are planting crops in, called Kharif sowing, because it rained more in July.
However, the total area planted is still less than last year, especially for rice, pulses, and coarse cereals.
Experts are warning that even though more area is being planted, the amount of rain and weather conditions might affect how much food we get at harvest time.
Kharif sowing has recovered sharply due to improved rainfall in July.
Total acreage remains 4.9% below last year's level as of July 24.
Rice sowing is down 2.6%, pulse acreage is down 7.6%, and coarse cereals are down 11.9% from last year.
Oilseed sowing is 2.1% lower year-on-year, and cotton acreage is down 3.9%.
Experts warn that crop yields, not just acreage, will determine the eventual harvest amid strengthening El Nino conditions.
- Who
- Farmers in India
- What
- Kharif sowing recovery due to improved rainfall
- When
- As of July 24
- Where
- India
- Why
- Improved rainfall in July led to a sharp recovery in Kharif sowing, but total acreage remains below last year's level.
Optimistic View
Cautious View
Crop Acreage
Optimistic View
The recovery in sowing due to improved rainfall is a positive sign for agricultural output.
Cautious View
The total acreage remains below last year's level, indicating potential concerns for overall production.
El Nino Conditions
Optimistic View
The recovery in sowing could mitigate the impact of El Nino conditions on crop yields.
Cautious View
Strengthening El Nino conditions may still negatively affect crop yields despite the recovery in sowing.
- Total Kharif Sowing
- 82.62 million hectares (as of July 24)
- Rice Sowing
- 23.44 million hectares
- Pulse Acreage
- 8.46 million hectares
- Coarse Cereals Sowing
- 14.22 million hectares
- Oilseed Sowing
- 16.35 million hectares
- Cotton Acreage
- 9.87 million hectares