Kharif Crop Sowing Declines 16% Amid Weak Monsoon, Paddy and Pulses Acreage Drop The Agriculture Ministry reported that the area sown to kharif crops in the current season remains 16% lower than the same period last year, primarily due to a weak monsoon linked to the El Nino effect. As of July 10, the total area under kharif crops stood at 531.25 lakh hectares, compared to 632.69 lakh hectares in the corresponding period of 2025. This decline is attributed to delayed sowing, which began later than usual because of insufficient rainfall. Paddy, a major kharif crop, saw a 8.63% reduction in acreage, with coverage at 114.69 lakh hectares against 125.53 lakh hectares a year earlier. Pulses, another critical category, experienced a sharper decline, with their area falling 23.31% to 56.63 lakh hectares from 73.85 lakh hectares. Among pulses, arhar (tur) acreage dropped to 19.54 lakh hectares from 28.03 lakh hectares, urad (split pigeonpea) coverage fell to 9.34 lakh hectares (down from 13.29 lakh hectares), and moong (green gram) area declined to 21.52 lakh hectares (from 24.08 lakh hectares). Coarse cereals, which include crops like maize and sorghum, also saw a 22.47% decrease in sown area, reaching 98.69 lakh hectares from 127.30 lakh hectares. Oilseeds, a vital component of the agricultural sector, declined by 21% to 117.83 lakh hectares, with soybean acreage falling 16% to 90.51 lakh hectares. Other crops showed mixed trends, with sugarcane area rising marginally to 57.58 lakh hectares from 56.72 lakh hectares, and jute/mesta coverage increasing slightly to 6.28 lakh hectares from 6.16 lakh hectares. Cotton, a key cash crop, continued to lag, with sowing down 15.33% to 79.54 lakh hectares from 93.95 lakh hectares in the previous year.#el_nino #agriculture_ministry #kharif_crops #paddy #pulses
Monsoon Regains Momentum Amid El Niño Threat: 24% Rain Deficit Sparks Concerns The monsoon season has resumed its pace after an initial slowdown, but June saw a 24% shortfall in rainfall across the country, raising fears of an El Niño event. Meteorological experts warn that the persistent dry spell could disrupt agricultural production, water reservoir levels, and food prices. The situation is being closely monitored as the Pacific Ocean’s warming trend intensifies, creating conditions favorable for El Niño to develop. India’s agriculture sector, which relies heavily on monsoon rains for about two-thirds of its crop production, faces significant risks. If the monsoon experiences prolonged dry spells or reduced rainfall in July and August, the Kharif crop sowing and yields could suffer. To mitigate potential damage, the central government has identified 197 districts vulnerable to rainfall deficits and prepared localized contingency plans. These measures include promoting short-duration crop varieties, alternative farming practices, moisture conservation techniques, and improved irrigation management. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the Pacific Ocean has warmed by approximately 0.8 degrees Celsius above average, with strong indicators of El Niño formation. Weaker trade winds are also contributing to the development of El Niño, which could further disrupt monsoon patterns. Experts note that while the monsoon has regained speed, its current progress does not guarantee a stable outcome, as rising temperatures in the Pacific may continue to pose challenges. The government’s proactive approach aims to address both immediate drought risks and long-term vulnerabilities.#india #el_nino #indian_meteorological_department #indian_ocean_dipole #kharif_crops
