New Delhi, July 7: Kharif crop sowing across India continues to lag behind last year’s pace as a significant monsoon rainfall deficit affects more than half the country, according to a report by Dolat Capital. Despite a gradual improvement in rainfall over recent weeks, prolonged dry conditions during June have delayed agricultural activities and intensified moisture stress in key farming regions.
The report states that around 52 per cent of the country remains rainfall-deficient, with cumulative seasonal rainfall standing 38 per cent below normal. Central India has recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 45 per cent, followed by East and Northeast India at 40 per cent below normal, resulting in weak soil moisture and limited reservoir replenishment.
Total kharif sowing has reached 350.9 lakh hectares, which is 92 lakh hectares lower than the corresponding period last year. While the comparison is influenced by last year’s early monsoon onset, the acreage remains 22.5 lakh hectares below the five-year average. The shortfall is primarily concentrated in rice, oilseeds, and cotton, whereas pulses and coarse cereals have surpassed their normal sowing levels.
Rice cultivation remains below normal due to inadequate rainfall across eastern paddy-growing regions, delaying transplantation. Oilseed and cotton sowing have also recorded substantial deficits, reflecting the impact of insufficient rainfall and poor soil moisture conditions.
Water availability continues to remain a concern, with live reservoir storage across the country at only 26 per cent of total capacity. Eastern India is facing the most severe water stress, with reservoirs operating at just 19.4 per cent capacity, significantly below normal levels.
The report, however, offers cautious optimism, noting that the monsoon trough is expected to shift towards its normal position, supported by the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. If the anticipated rainfall materialises over Central India and Maharashtra, it could improve reservoir inflows, replenish soil moisture, and accelerate kharif sowing during the second half of July.
