Maharashtra Kharif Sowing Reaches 86.92 Lakh Hectares Amid Slower Progress Than Last Year

Maharashtra's kharif sowing has covered 86.92 lakh hectares, excluding sugarcane, as of July 13, according to state government data. This represents 60% of the state's normal kharif cultivation area.

Despite recent progress, the pace of sowing remains below the level recorded during the same period last year. Across India, kharif cultivation has also lagged due to weaker monsoon activity during the current season.

Maharashtra Kharif Sowing Area Reaches 60% Of Normal Coverage

State government data showed that kharif sowing in Maharashtra touched 86.92 lakh hectares by July 13. This coverage accounts for 60% of the state's normal kharif cultivation area, excluding sugarcane.

In comparison, sowing had already covered 120.65 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year. The year-on-year comparison indicates a significant slowdown in cultivation activity despite recent gains in several districts.

Maharashtra Crop Damage Due to Heavy Rainfall in July

The Maharashtra government's preliminary assessment indicated damage to agricultural and horticultural crops across 6,673 hectares during July. Heavy rainfall, strong winds and hailstorms contributed to the reported losses in affected regions.

Authorities stated that farmers in areas impacted by excessive rainfall have started re-transplanting paddy crops. Meanwhile, fields that were sown earlier are currently in the germination and early seedling stages of crop development.

India Kharif Sowing Lags Last Year Amid Weak Monsoon

The slower pace of cultivation has not been limited to Maharashtra and has been observed across the country. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, kharif crops were sown across 531.25 lakh hectares as of July 10.

During the same period last year, the sowing area stood at 632.69 lakh hectares. This reflects a decline of 16%, with weaker southwest monsoon conditions affecting planting activity in several states.

Major Crop Acreage Trends During the Current Kharif Season

Among key crops, paddy cultivation was recorded at 114.69 lakh hectares, compared with 125.53 lakh hectares a year earlier. Oilseed acreage declined sharply to 117.83 lakh hectares from 149.18 lakh hectares, while soybean sowing fell to 90.51 lakh hectares from 107.72 lakh hectares.

Cotton sowing also remained behind last year's pace, covering 79.54 lakh hectares against 93.95 lakh hectares during the previous kharif season. In contrast, sugarcane acreage rose marginally to 57.58 lakh hectares from 56.72 lakh hectares, while jute and mesta acreage increased to 6.28 lakh hectares from 6.16 lakh hectares.

Read More: Maharashtra Urges Farmers to Delay Kharif Sowing as Rainfall Falls 74% Below Normal.

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Conclusion

Maharashtra's kharif sowing has gained momentum in recent weeks but continues to trail last year's levels. Weather-related disruptions have also led to crop damage in several areas, prompting re-transplanting activities in affected paddy fields.

Nationally, kharif cultivation remains below last year's coverage, reflecting the impact of weaker monsoon conditions. Crop-wise data shows declines in paddy, oilseeds, soybean and cotton acreage, while sugarcane, jute and mesta have recorded modest growth.

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