Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Kharif sowing drops 4.7% to 787 lakh hectares
This year, farmers in India have planted fewer crops during the Kharif season, which is the summer sowing season.
The total area used for planting has decreased by 4.7% compared to last year.
This means there are fewer fields planted with important crops like rice, pulses, and cotton.
However, the area for sugarcane has increased slightly.
The government is hopeful that the situation might improve because the rains have been better in July, and there is still time left for planting until mid-August.
Total Kharif sowing area dropped by 4.7% to 787.37 lakh hectares.
Paddy sowing decreased by 2.6% to 234.43 lakh hectares.
Pulses area declined by 7.5% to 84.57 lakh hectares.
Coarse cereals area fell by 11.9% to 142.21 lakh hectares.
Oilseeds area reduced by 2.1% to 163.54 lakh hectares.
Cotton area dipped by 3.9% to 98.72 lakh hectares.
Sugarcane area increased by 1.5% to 57.58 lakh hectares.
Government expects the gap to narrow with continued sowing until mid-August.
- Who
- Indian farmers and the agriculture ministry
- What
- A decrease in Kharif sowing area
- When
- As of July 24, 2023
- Where
- India
- Why
- Due to lower acreage of major crops and initial weak monsoon rains
Government Optimism
Current Data
Future Sowing Potential
Government Optimism
The government expects the gap to narrow as sowing activities continue until mid-August, supported by improved rainfall in July.
Current Data
Current data shows a 4.7% drop in Kharif sowing, with lower acreage reported across most major crops.
- Total Kharif Area
- 787.37 lakh hectares (down 4.7%)
- Paddy Area
- 234.43 lakh hectares (down 2.6%)
- Pulses Area
- 84.57 lakh hectares (down 7.5%)
- Coarse Cereals Area
- 142.21 lakh hectares (down 11.9%)
- Oilseeds Area
- 163.54 lakh hectares (down 2.1%)
- Cotton Area
- 98.72 lakh hectares (down 3.9%)
- Sugarcane Area
- 57.58 lakh hectares (up 1.5%)
- Sowing Period
- Until August 15
