Kharif Sowing Down 1.7%; IMD Predicts Below-Normal September Rains
By Business Desk
India’s Kharif crop sowing acreage is down 1.7% by Aug 28. IMD forecasts below-normal September rains, impacting yields. Maize acreage sees biggest drop.
India’s Kharif crop sowing recorded a 1.7% deficit in acreage by August 28 compared to the same period last year. This development comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts below-normal rainfall for September 2026.
The total area sown up to August 28 was also approximately 3% lower than the normal average acreage observed over the past five years. This indicates a broader shortfall in the current agricultural season.
Key Sowing Metrics
- Acreage deficit (vs. last year by August 28): 1.7%
- Acreage deficit (vs. normal average by August 28): 3%
- IMD September 2026 rainfall forecast: ‘below-normal’
- Crop with most significant acreage drop: Maize
- Country area with low rainfall (June-August): 47%
The criticality of the remaining monsoon rains for achieving a robust yield is now heightened, given the IMD’s outlook. Despite the overall deficit, the acreage covered by the end of August shows an improvement when compared to the situation observed in June.
The significant drop in maize acreage highlights specific challenges within the Kharif season. Stakeholders will closely monitor rainfall distribution in the coming weeks to assess its impact on final crop output.