Farmers in Maharashtra Advised Against Hasty Kharif Sowing

17-Jun-2026 06:07 PM

Pune: The Maharashtra government has advised farmers in the state not to rush into sowing Kharif crops and to wait for adequate monsoon rainfall. During the first 15 days of June, the state received 75 percent less rainfall than the normal average, and the precipitation was also geographically limited. A lack of soil moisture is being observed in most areas, making sowing a risky proposition.

According to a crop status review report presented to the Maharashtra Cabinet, the state received only 27.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 15, which is significantly lower than the long-term average of 103.8 mm.

The report notes that preparations for agricultural activities have commenced in various parts of the state; nurseries for paddy and finger millet are being raised, and fields are being prepared for sowing.

However, given the currently weak monsoon and the lack of rainfall, farmers have been urged not to hasten Kharif crop cultivation and instead wait for favorable conditions.

The report indicates that while isolated rainfall may occur in parts of Konkan and Central Maharashtra, rainfall conditions are expected to improve in the Vidarbha and Marathwada divisions starting June 18.