Maharashtra Kharif Sowing Reaches 60% of Normal Area, Trails Last Year
By jayesh chouhan 2026-07-16 16:38:33
Kharif sowing in Maharashtra reaches 60% of normal acreage; lags significantly behind last year
Mumbai, July 15: Kharif crop sowing in Maharashtra had covered 86.92 lakh hectares by July 13. According to state government data, this represents approximately 60% of the normal Kharif sowing area (excluding sugarcane). However, the pace of sowing is significantly slower compared to the same period last year.
By July 13 last year, Kharif crops had been sown across 120.65 lakh hectares in the state, accounting for nearly 84% of the normal area. A substantial shortfall in sowing acreage has been recorded so far this year.
Crop damage due to heavy rains
According to preliminary assessments by the Maharashtra government, heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms in July have damaged 6,673 hectares of agricultural and horticultural crops across the state.
However, the government reports that sowing activities are now picking up pace in several districts. Farmers in areas affected by heavy rains have begun re-transplanting paddy. Meanwhile, crops sown earlier are currently in the germination and early growth stages.
Kharif sowing slow across the country
Kharif crop sowing across the country is lagging behind last year's figures due to a weak southwest monsoon. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kharif crops had been sown across 531.25 lakh hectares nationwide by July 10, compared to 632.69 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Consequently, there has been a decline of approximately 16% in sowing acreage at the national level.
Paddy acreage dropped to 114.69 lakh hectares from 125.53 lakh hectares last year. Oilseed acreage also declined from 149.18 lakh hectares to 117.83 lakh hectares; within this category, soybean acreage fell from 107.72 lakh hectares to 90.51 lakh hectares. In contrast, the sugarcane acreage increased from 56.72 lakh hectares to 57.58 lakh hectares, and the area under jute and mesta rose from 6.16 lakh hectares to 6.28 lakh hectares.
Cotton sowing also lagged behind last year's figures. As of July 10, the cotton acreage in the country stood at 79.54 lakh hectares, whereas it was 93.95 lakh hectares during the same period last year.
