Weekly Monsoon Tracker: Weak Rainfall Slows Cotton and Soybean Sowing
By jayesh chouhan 2026-07-07 12:52:41
Weekly Monsoon Tracker: Cotton and Soybean Sowing Hit by Weak Rainfall
The slow progress of the monsoon and below-normal rainfall across several parts of the country are impacting the sowing of key Kharif crops, particularly cotton and soybean. According to Ministry of Agriculture data, the acreage for both crops as of July 5 was significantly lower compared to the previous year, raising concerns among both farmers and the market.
Cotton sowing stood at 63.18 lakh hectares as of July 5, approximately 23 percent lower than the 82 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. This figure is also below the normal acreage of 76.12 lakh hectares. A weak start to the monsoon and uneven rainfall distribution in major cotton-producing states have hampered the pace of sowing. Farmers in many regions have delayed sowing while waiting for adequate soil moisture, and there are also apprehensions regarding the need for re-sowing in some areas.
The situation for soybean also remains under pressure. Sluggish soybean sowing has been a primary factor in the overall decline in oilseed acreage. A lack of soil moisture—caused by weak rainfall in June across central India's major soybean-producing regions—prevented sowing operations from gaining normal momentum. Industry and trade circles are now closely watching rainfall patterns for the second week of July, as this period is considered crucial for soybean sowing.
The impact of the rainfall deficit extends beyond the fields. As of July 5, the country had received 24 percent less rainfall than normal, and according to the Central Water Commission, water storage levels in major reservoirs remain below normal. This has heightened anxiety among farmers in regions dependent on irrigation.
However, the Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall across several parts of the country between July 6 and July 12. If this forecast holds true, the pace of cotton and soybean sowing could accelerate, potentially making up for some of the shortfall experienced so far.
