News Capsule: Gujarat Kharif Sowing Up 25%, Led by Cotton and Groundnut
17-Jun-2026 11:05 AM
News Capsule: Gujarat Kharif Sowing Up 25%, Led by Cotton and Groundnut
★ Kharif sowing in Gujarat reached 4.27 lakh hectares as of June 16, up 25% from 3.41 lakh hectares during the same period last year. However, this represents only about 5% of the state's normal Kharif acreage of 85.3 lakh hectares.
★ Cotton sowing increased to 2.39 lakh hectares from 1.88 lakh hectares a year ago, while groundnut acreage rose to 1.37 lakh hectares. Soybean sowing also increased to 448 hectares from the previous year's level.
★ Among pulses, pigeon pea (tur) acreage rose sharply to 600 hectares from 168 hectares a year ago. Total pulses sowing reached 673 hectares, compared with 232 hectares during the corresponding period last year.
★ Despite the higher sowing pace, Gujarat received only 6.2 mm of rainfall during June 1–16, which is 82% below normal. The southwest monsoon has yet to fully advance into the state and is running about two days behind its normal onset date.
★ While the initial sowing trend is encouraging, further progress will depend on the arrival of widespread and timely monsoon rainfall in the coming weeks.