World · India Bureau
Kharif sowing falls short as monsoon season winds down
India's kharif planting has concluded with acreage trailing the previous year, while weather forecasts raise concerns about the final stretch of the monsoon season. The shortfall comes as rainfall remains below historical averages.
LSN India ·
The kharif sowing season has drawn to a close with cultivated area running 1.7 per cent lower than the corresponding period last year, according to latest government data. As of August 28, the total area under cultivation stood significantly below normal levels, reflecting the challenges farmers have faced during the monsoon months.
The lagging acreage underscores the impact of irregular rainfall patterns on India's principal agricultural season. Data through late August showed the sown area trailing normal levels by nearly 3 per cent, indicating that precipitation has not kept pace with historical benchmarks needed to support timely planting across major crop zones.
Weather forecasts compound concerns about the remainder of the monsoon. The India Meteorological Department has predicted below-normal rainfall for September, the final month of the season. This outlook could further limit opportunities for farmers to expand cultivation in regions still waiting for adequate moisture.
The kharif season, spanning June through September, is critical for cultivation of monsoon-dependent crops including rice, pulses, and oilseeds. The underperformance in sown area this year may impact production levels and has implications for food security and rural incomes across multiple states.