Sowing of key kharif crops across India has registered a sharp decline this season amid a weak monsoon, according to a recent government report, raising concerns over agricultural output and rural income in the months ahead. The drop has been attributed primarily to a significant rainfall deficit during the crucial early phase of the monsoon period.

Data released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare shows that the total area sown under major kharif crops as of June 25, 2026, has fallen by 53.74 lakh hectares compared to the same period last year. The report highlights a noticeable slowdown in sowing activity for key crops such as rice and pulses, which depend heavily on timely monsoon rainfall.

According to the report titled Progress of Area Coverage under Kharif Crops, the total area under cultivation stood at 236.46 lakh hectares as of June 25, 2025. In contrast, this year’s figure has declined to 182.72 lakh hectares as of June 25, 2026, reflecting a significant year-on-year contraction in sowing activity across multiple states.

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The decline comes in the backdrop of a deficient monsoon season, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting that rainfall between June 1 and July 1 was about 38 per cent below the long-period average. The southwest monsoon, which typically begins over Kerala on June 1 and gradually spreads across the country, plays a crucial role in determining the success of kharif agriculture in India.

Agricultural experts note that the early phase of the monsoon is critical for preparing fields and initiating sowing, particularly for water-intensive crops like paddy. A delayed or weak onset often leads to reduced acreage, as farmers either postpone sowing or shift to less water-dependent crops. The current shortfall in rainfall has therefore directly impacted planting decisions across several regions.

Rice, pulses and coarse cereals are among the major kharif crops affected by the slowdown in sowing activity. These crops form a significant part of India’s food security system and rural economy, making fluctuations in their production highly sensitive to monsoon performance. The government report also underscores regional variations in sowing trends, with some irrigated areas managing to maintain normal activity while rain-dependent regions have seen sharper declines.

Officials are expected to closely monitor rainfall patterns in the coming weeks, as a revival of the monsoon could still influence late sowing and partially offset the current deficit. With agriculture heavily reliant on seasonal rains, the present situation has raised concerns among policymakers and economists about potential impacts on food inflation and rural demand if the monsoon shortfall persists into the peak sowing period.

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