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Agriculture
Kharif Acreage Surpasses Five‑Year Average Despite Rainfall Shortfall
✍️ TOI India
🗓 28 Sep 2026, 07:47 AM
👁 18
Data shows the area sown during the Kharif season has risen above the five‑year average, even as rainfall fell short of expectations.
The Ministry of Agriculture released figures indicating that the total cultivated area for the current Kharif season has exceeded the five‑year average. This rise comes despite a rainfall deficit that fell below the forecasted levels for the monsoon period.
Kharif crops, which include paddy, pulses, and oilseeds, are typically sensitive to monsoon variability. The expansion of irrigated acreage and adoption of water‑saving techniques are cited as key factors helping farmers maintain or increase sowing areas.
Agricultural analysts warn that while acreage growth is a positive sign for production potential, the reduced rainfall may still impact yields and water availability for the next crop cycle.
Farmers across several states have reported increased planting, but they remain cautious as the monsoon continues to deliver uneven rainfall. The government has urged continued support for irrigation infrastructure to mitigate the effects of the deficit.
Kharif crops, which include paddy, pulses, and oilseeds, are typically sensitive to monsoon variability. The expansion of irrigated acreage and adoption of water‑saving techniques are cited as key factors helping farmers maintain or increase sowing areas.
Agricultural analysts warn that while acreage growth is a positive sign for production potential, the reduced rainfall may still impact yields and water availability for the next crop cycle.
Farmers across several states have reported increased planting, but they remain cautious as the monsoon continues to deliver uneven rainfall. The government has urged continued support for irrigation infrastructure to mitigate the effects of the deficit.