New Delhi: India’s kharif crop sowing has fallen significantly behind last year’s pace due to a delayed and weak southwest monsoon, raising concerns over agricultural output during the current season. Government data showed that the total area sown by late June was around 23% lower than the corresponding period in 2025.
The biggest decline has been recorded in the sowing of soybean, cotton, maize and paddy. Farmers in several states have delayed planting while waiting for adequate rainfall. Agricultural experts believe that timely showers in July will be crucial for improving soil moisture and accelerating sowing operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that rainfall activity is expected to improve in the coming days, which could help farmers recover part of the delayed sowing. Despite the slow start, officials remain optimistic that normal rainfall during the remaining monsoon season could support crop production.
Agriculture plays a vital role in India’s economy, with nearly half of the country’s farmland dependent on monsoon rains. A prolonged delay in rainfall could affect food production, rural incomes and inflation, making the progress of the monsoon a key focus for both policymakers and farmers.
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