COMMODITY
Shortfall in kharif acreage may compensate as sowing continues till Aug 15: Agriculture Minister
Jul-16-2026

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said there is a possibility to compensate shortfall in acreage under Kharif crops as sowing operations continue till August 15, 2026. He asserted that the government is keeping a close watch on the rainfall situation and the ongoing sowing operations. He noted that there was less rain during June but there has been good rainfall in the first week of July. He added that there is a possibility of good rainfall after July 20. 

He said at present, the area under coverage for Kharif crops is less than the year-ago period. He further said that the Centre is ensuring that farmers receive all inputs, including seeds and fertilisers, on time. About whether the sowing would improve going forward to make up for the shortfall, he said ‘there are chances. I am very much hopeful.’

As per the agriculture ministry data, the total acreage under Kharif crops declined 16 per cent to 531.25 lakh hectares till July 10 in the ongoing season due to weak monsoon. Sowing of kharif (summer) crops typically begins with the onset of the southwest monsoon in June. However, planting has been delayed this year owing to a weak monsoon linked to the El Nino effect.

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