Sowing of Kharif crops started early in Karnataka due to good pre-monsoon rains

03-Jun-2025 10:54 AM

Bangalore. Karnataka, a key agricultural state in southern India, has begun sowing various Kharif crops earlier than usual this year, thanks to surplus pre-monsoon rains and steady rainfall during the southwest monsoon season.

Crops being sown include maize, pigeon pea (tur) and other pulses, soybean, other oilseeds, and cotton.

According to the Meteorological Department, Karnataka received 286 mm of pre-monsoon rainfall between March 1 and May 31, 2025, which is 149 percent above the normal average of 115 mm.

This has helped farmers prepare their fields ahead of schedule and begin sowing activities in many regions.

Data from the Agriculture Department shows that by May 31, sowing had been completed in 3.06 lakh hectares, compared to 2.36 lakh hectares during the same period last year.

The department has set a target of producing 111.40 lakh tonnes of food grains during the current Kharif season, including 96.14 lakh tonnes of cereals and 15.26 lakh tonnes of pulses. Additionally, the target for oilseed production is set at 8.68 lakh tonnes.

The sowing of jowar, maize, moong, urad, and cotton is progressing rapidly across various districts. The area under maize has reached 71,400 hectares, a significant increase of 160 percent from last year’s 27,400 hectares.

Karnataka remains one of the top producers of Kharif maize and is the leading state in the country for pigeon pea production.