★ In the ongoing kharif season, rice sowing has progressed rapidly, but excessive rainfall in key states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh has slowed the pace of coarse cereal and pulse sowing.

★ As per official data, the area under coarse cereals is down 2.2% and pulses by 0.3% compared to the same period last year. This decline is attributed to above-normal rainfall in several states. Rajasthan has received 81% excess rainfall, while Madhya Pradesh has seen 47% more than normal. The heavy precipitation has led to waterlogging and excessive moisture in fields, disrupting sowing activity.

★ Rajasthan is a major contributor to the sowing of both coarse cereals and pulses in the country. In the 2024-25 season, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh together accounted for nearly 40% of India’s total sowing of these crops.

★ In contrast, rice sowing has shown significant improvement.

★ According to the India Meteorological Department, as of August 4, cumulative rainfall across the country was 4% above normal. While 23 states have received normal rainfall, 6 states have seen excess, and 7 are facing deficient rainfall.

★ If above-normal rainfall continues through August and September, it may further impact sowing patterns and the eventual output of the kharif crop.