News Capsule: Maharashtra Advises Farmers to Delay Sowing Amid Weak Monsoon
17-Jun-2026 10:16 AM
News Capsule: Maharashtra Advises Farmers to Delay Sowing Amid Weak Monsoon
★ The Maharashtra government has advised farmers not to rush into Kharif sowing as monsoon rainfall remains significantly below normal. Between June 1 and June 15, the state received only 27.4 mm of rainfall against the normal 103.8 mm, or just 26% of the average.
★ According to the state government's review, nursery preparation for paddy and ragi and other pre-sowing activities are continuing. ★ However, sowing without adequate and sustained rainfall could lead to seed damage and force farmers to re-sow their crops.
★ The weather department expects rainfall to improve in some regions after June 18, while heatwave-like conditions may persist in parts of Vidarbha. Farmers have been advised to begin sowing only after receiving sufficient rainfall and adequate soil moisture.
★ Sowing of soybean, cotton, pigeon pea (tur), and maize may be delayed in Maharashtra.
If good rainfall does not materialize by the end of June, Kharif acreage could be affected.
★ Production risks may increase due to El Niño concerns and a weak monsoon outlook.
★ Farmers are currently in a wait-and-watch mode, and rainfall over the next 10–15 days is expected to determine the direction of the Kharif season.