Progress in sowing of Kharif crops due to good monsoon rains
26-Jun-2025 01:50 PM
New Delhi. Till mid-June, monsoon rains were 31 percent below the normal average, but by June 24, rainfall exceeded the normal by 4 percent. During this period, heavy rains in various parts of the country accelerated the pace of Kharif crop sowing.
From June 7 to 13, the sown area increased by 15 lakh hectares, and between June 14 and 20, another 50 lakh hectares were added. During the current week, this pace is expected to rise further due to continued rainfall.
According to trade analysts, the above-average rainfall has significantly boosted Kharif sowing across the country, which could support better overall production.
However, disparities remain—some regions are still facing rainfall shortages while others have witnessed excessive rain, causing flood-like conditions that are hampering sowing.
Data from CEIC and the Meteorological Department indicates that Rajasthan and Gujarat have received 135 percent and 134 percent of their normal rainfall, respectively.
These states are key producers of Kharif crops. Other major states have also recorded surplus rainfall: Madhya Pradesh (28%), Uttar Pradesh (19%), Tamil Nadu (15%), Haryana (11%), Karnataka (10%), and West Bengal (7%). However, this data reflects statewide averages, and rainfall distribution within states has been uneven.
Punjab has received near-normal rainfall, resulting in steady Kharif sowing. In contrast, several states have recorded deficits: Telangana (43%), Chhattisgarh (36%), Andhra Pradesh (34%), and Bihar (20%).
Prolonged rainfall deficits in these areas could affect sowing and crop development. However, with July and August—typically the wettest months—approaching, hopes remain for rainfall to improve in deficit regions.
Between June 1 and 24, the country received 104 percent of normal rainfall, close to the Meteorological Department’s forecast of 108 percent for the entire month. Kharif sowing area has expanded by 10.4 percent so far, and the momentum continues to build.