Normal Pace of Kharif Sowing in Southern States

25-Jul-2025 12:35 PM

New Delhi. Monsoon rains have been irregular and uncertain in the southern states, particularly in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, resulting in a normal pace of Kharif crop sowing.

As per the available data, Telangana saw an increase in the Kharif crop area from 66.33 lakh acres last year to 76.28 lakh acres as of July 23. In Andhra Pradesh, however, the area declined slightly from 10.25 lakh hectares to 10.04 lakh hectares.

In Karnataka, the area improved marginally from 54.58 lakh hectares to 54.69 lakh hectares by July 11. Cotton acreage in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is notably ahead of rainfall progress.

In Karnataka, the area under pigeon pea rose from 11.25 lakh hectares to 13.35 lakh hectares. However, the area under black gram decreased from 91 thousand hectares to 88 thousand hectares, and green gram declined from 4.08 lakh hectares to 3.99 lakh hectares.

Sowing of maize and cotton in the state is trailing last year’s pace, while soybean acreage is ahead by 25 thousand hectares. There has been a sharp fall of 55 thousand hectares in the sugarcane area.

In Telangana, the area under paddy, maize, pigeon pea, and cotton has increased compared to last year, while sowing of black gram, green gram, and soybean lags behind.

Andhra Pradesh is experiencing a significant rainfall deficit this Kharif season, which has slightly slowed sowing progress. Nevertheless, paddy, maize, and cotton area has increased, while acreage under pigeon pea and groundnut has declined.

Compared to these states, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have received satisfactory rainfall, supporting the cultivation of various crops. In Kerala, paddy production is normal, and in Tamil Nadu, along with paddy, the sowing of coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and sugarcane is progressing well.