Slow sowing of Kharif crops in Maharashtra despite above normal rainfall

23-Jun-2025 12:28 PM

Pune. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Maharashtra has received 124.2 mm of rainfall so far in the current monsoon season, which is about 4 percent above the normal average of 119.2 mm. Despite this, the pace of Kharif crop sowing in the state remains slow.

The primary reason is that during the first half of June, the monsoon was largely inactive, and most areas experienced dry weather, raising concerns among farmers. Insufficient rain during the crucial sowing period can severely impact the prospects of Kharif crops.

While pre-monsoon showers in May were heavy and the beginning of June saw some rainfall, the monsoon stalled midway, particularly around Ahilya Nagar (Ahmednagar), before gradually advancing again.

Reports indicate that nine districts in the state received significantly below-average rainfall, whereas six districts recorded excess rainfall.

Anticipating rainfall uncertainty, the state agriculture department had advised farmers not to rush into sowing, as dry weather could damage young crops.

Agricultural universities in the state had also recommended that sowing should begin only once there was adequate rainfall and sustained wet conditions.

As per the latest report from the state agriculture department, by June 20, Kharif crop sowing in Maharashtra had covered 33.60 lakh hectares—an improvement over 27.40 lakh hectares during the same period last year.

Sowing progressed significantly in the Latur division, reaching 9.04 lakh hectares, and in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar division, which saw 6.53 lakh hectares under cultivation. However, other divisions reported slower progress.

As of June 20, soybean had been sown in 11.54 lakh hectares, cotton in 11.55 lakh hectares, and pulses in 10.23 lakh hectares.

With the return of consistent monsoon rainfall, sowing activity is expected to pick up across the state in the coming days.