Government Does Not Anticipate Significant Impact of El Niño on Kharif Crops

20-Aug-2026 03:15 PM

New Delhi: Although the acreage for Kharif crops is trailing by approximately 2.1 million hectares compared to last year, this shortfall appears marginal when viewed against the normal average area of ​​110 million hectares. Paddy, Tur (pigeon pea), Moong (green gram), and maize account for the largest share of this area; soybean acreage is also lagging.

It is noteworthy that the European climate forecasting bureau recently stated that the impact of El Niño on the Southwest Monsoon would intensify in the coming period. However, the Union Agriculture Minister remains optimistic that El Niño will not have any significant impact on Kharif production. Sowing operations have been completed across most parts of the country, and crop progress is proceeding normally. While rainfall has been deficient in some regions, the gap in Kharif crop sowing area is steadily narrowing.

According to the Agriculture Minister, improved performance of the Southwest Monsoon has reduced the number of districts facing a potential rainfall crisis from 262 to around 100. Although the situation is not normal in some areas, conditions appear favorable in most other regions, where rainfall has been adequate to meet crop requirements. As the situation is evolving daily, the Ministry of Agriculture is conducting regular reviews.

The Agriculture Minister noted that while Karnataka and Telangana are facing water shortages, overall Kharif sowing in these states has been good. Crop yields may decline in areas that received scanty rainfall. The rainfall situation will continue to be closely monitored. The Seeds Bill and the Pesticide Management Bill have been drafted and will be introduced in the upcoming session of Parliament; these measures will aid the advancement of the agricultural sector.