Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Delayed monsoon impacts Kharif sowing and reservoir levels
The monsoon rains in India are coming later and are weaker than usual.
This is causing problems for farmers who are planting their crops, called Kharif crops.
The amount of land planted with crops is less than last year, especially for important foods like rice and pulses.
The water in the reservoirs is also lower than usual, which is a concern for both farming and drinking water.
Some places, like Mumbai, have been warned about heavy rain, but the overall monsoon is expected to stay weak.
This could mean less food and water in the future if the rains don't improve soon.
Kharif sowing as of 17 July is 6.04% behind last year's pace.
Major crops like rice, pulses, and coarse cereals show significant sowing deficits.
Reservoir levels are below normal and significantly lower than last year.
Maharashtra's reservoir storage is 46.29%, down from 61.91% last year.
Mumbai's lakes are at 54.05% capacity, compared to 82.07% last year.
- Who
- Farmers and agricultural communities across India
- What
- Delayed monsoon impacting Kharif sowing and reservoir levels
- When
- As of 17 July
- Where
- Across India, with specific mentions of Maharashtra and Mumbai
- Why
- Due to subdued rainfall and delayed monsoon, affecting agricultural activities and water storage
Agricultural Concerns
Potential for Recovery
Sowing Deficit
Agricultural Concerns
The delayed monsoon has led to a significant sowing deficit across major crop categories, impacting food security and agricultural output.
Potential for Recovery
There is still time for the monsoon to recover, which could help narrow the sowing gap before the planting window closes.
Reservoir Levels
Agricultural Concerns
Reservoir levels are significantly lower than last year, raising concerns about water availability for agriculture and drinking water supplies.
Potential for Recovery
Current reservoir levels are still above the critical levels recorded in 2024, providing some buffer for the coming weeks.
- Current Kharif Sowing
- 658.19 lakh hectares
- Kharif Sowing Last Year
- 700.47 lakh hectares
- Sowing Deficit
- 6.04%
- National Reservoir Storage
- 34.46%
- Normal Reservoir Storage
- 35.10%
- Reservoir Storage Last Year
- 56.63%
- Maharashtra Reservoir Storage
- 46.29%
- Maharashtra Reservoir Storage Last Year
- 61.91%
- Mumbai Lakes Storage
- 54.05%
- Mumbai Lakes Storage Last Year
- 82.07%