Nationwide Kharif Sowing Shows Promising Start Amid Monsoon Surplus

In a positive update for agriculture in India, Minister of State for Agriculture, Ramnath Thakur, stated that normal sowing activities for major kharif crops have been reported nationwide due to the timely advancement and widespread coverage of the monsoon.

As of August 1, 2025, the sown area for the kharif season stands at an impressive 932.93 lakh hectares, marking an increase from the previous year's 887.97 lakh hectares. The minister highlighted that this year's monsoon has been generous, with recorded rainfall reaching 500.8 mm, surpassing the typical 481.9 mm and resulting in a 4% surplus.

However, challenges remain as the rain distribution remains uneven across the country. While regions in the south, central, and west have seen earlier sowing, eastern, northeastern, and some southern parts are experiencing delays. Sowing operations continue, with first advance estimates for the 2025-26 agricultural year eagerly awaited.

(With inputs from agencies.)