Despite rainfall deficit, kharif acreage above 5-year average

NEW DELHI: Overall acreage of kharif (summer-sown) crops in the country declined by just over 1% this year compared with last year and while the dip was expected due to deficient monsoon rainfall this year, the sowing season still ended up recording higher than 'normal' (average of last five years) acreage.

Though only marginally above the 'normal', it reflects tweaks in farmers' strategy if warning comes in advance.Latest acreage data shows total sown area at 1,107 lakh hectares (ha) as of Friday was 3 lakh ha more than 'normal' acreage (1,104 lakh ha) despite a cumulative deficit of 12% (June 1-Sept 26) in monsoon rainfall. In the same period in 2025, which recorded 8% more than normal (surplus) rainfall, total acreage was 1,121 lakh ha.The most popular kharif crop and one of the most water-intensive, paddy, reported a 3.6% decline in acreage compared with last year, but this was still 4.6% higher than the 'normal' acreage. Another guzzler, sugarcane, too reported higher acreage than its normal sown area, reflecting farmers' preference for crops which assure them of better returns, even as they had to depend on excessive use of groundwater, at the risk of high input cost.

The real test of what rainfall deficit will entail, however, may be reflected in the yield of these crops, first estimates for which will soon be released by the Union agriculture ministry. The output of pulses (mainly pigeon peas), oilseeds (mainly soybean and groundnut), cotton and coarse cereals (mainly bajra and maize) may be a real concern due to deficient and skewed distribution of rainfall in the 'monsoon core zone' - the large part of central India and Bihar which depend on seasonal rains for farming in absence of adequate irrigation coverage.

Floods in certain parts of Bihar and Assam, and drought in parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka may also negatively impact the overall output.Apprehending the impact of deficient monsoon rainfall on the rabi (winter-sown) crops due to low moisture content in the soil and shortage of water for irrigation, the agriculture ministry will discuss contingency measures at a two-day meet starting Monday.