India’s kharif season is off to a strong start this year. As of July 18, the total area under kharif crops has reached 708.31 lakh hectares, up from 680.38 lakh hectares last year. That’s a 4.1% jump, backed by good rains and rising water levels in reservoirs.
This boost comes after India saw 6% more rainfall than normal this monsoon. The South-West monsoon has been kind, especially in Central and North-West India, where rainfall is up by 22% and 29%, respectively.
What’s Driving the Growth?
Rice and coarse cereals are leading the way.
- Coarse cereals saw a huge rise of 13.6% in sowing.
- Rice, India’s staple crop, jumped by 12.4%.
- Even pulses grew by 2.3%, with moong dal doing well.
But not everything is shining.
- Oilseeds are down by 3.7%.
- Cotton is also down by 3.4%.
Experts say these dips are likely due to shifting crop choices and local weather changes.
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Why This Matters
This strong kharif sowing is good news for food inflation. With more crops in the ground, prices of key food items may go down. That helps both consumers and the rural economy.
The improvement in sowing is also helping boost farmer confidence. After a tough year in many parts of the country, this is a much-needed lift.
Water Is No Longer a Worry
As of July 18, reservoirs are 57% full. Last year at this time, they were only at 29%. That’s a big jump.
- Southern India is doing best, with 65% reservoir storage.
- Western India follows at 59%.
- Central India stands at 54%.
This means more water for irrigation, which can help crops grow better in the weeks ahead.
Rain Ahead Could Close the Gap
While Central and North-West India are doing great, East and North-East India are still facing problems. Rainfall is short by up to 23% in states like Bihar, Assam, and Manipur.
But there’s hope. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects more rain in North-West India soon. This may help balance out the lag and improve sowing in weaker regions.
The strong start to the kharif season shows India’s agriculture is holding up well in 2025. More rain, better water levels, and smart farming choices are helping. If this trend holds, we may see lower food prices and stronger rural demand in the coming months.
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