Pulse Sowing Affected by Rainfall Deficit in Maharashtra and Karnataka; Acreage Likely to Shrink

16-Jun-2026 05:53 PM

The sluggish progress of the monsoon in key pulse-producing regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka is raising concerns among farmers and traders. Many districts across both states have yet to receive adequate rainfall, thereby hampering the sowing of Kharif pulse crops such as moong (green gram), urad (black gram), and tur (pigeon pea).

Farmers in several areas of Maharashtra—including Latur, Akola, Akkalkot, Karanja, Washim, Murtijapur, Khamgaon, Udgir, Dudhani, and Barshi—are still awaiting good rainfall. Sowing operations are facing persistent delays due to the lack of rain.

According to traders in the Dudhani and Udgir regions, only 10–20 percent of moong and urad sowing has been completed so far, while sowing for tur has not yet commenced. Similarly, the monsoon remains weak in major pulse-producing areas of Karnataka, such as Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Yadgir, and Bijapur.

Farmers are deferring sowing decisions due to a lack of adequate soil moisture, slowing down the progress of the Kharif season. If widespread and satisfactory rainfall does not occur in the coming days, the acreage under pulse crops could decline.

Furthermore, in areas where initial sowing has already taken place, there is an increased risk of poor germination and stunted crop growth due to moisture stress. Market experts anticipate that the delay in sowing and the potential reduction in acreage could impact pulse production in the coming months. If the monsoon does not pick up pace soon, the availability and market prices of moong, urad, and tur could also be affected.