With the Kharif 2026 season underway and the country experiencing 23% below-normal rainfall, the Government of India has undertaken a comprehensive review of the agricultural situation. The meeting assessed monsoon progress, Kharif crop sowing, the possible impact of El Niño, rainfall conditions in 270 sensitive districts, fertiliser and seed availability, and reservoir storage levels.
Chairing the review, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed officials to maintain close coordination with state governments, closely monitor rainfall-deficient regions, and ensure the timely supply of fertilisers and quality seeds to farmers. The government's priority is to minimise weather-related risks and support agricultural production during the ongoing Kharif season.
Officials informed the meeting that the Southwest Monsoon had covered the entire country by July 9, 2026, including the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. Normally, the monsoon reaches the entire country by July 8, making this year's nationwide coverage only one day behind the normal schedule. With the monsoon now active across India, favourable conditions have emerged for Kharif crop sowing in most agricultural regions.
As of July 17, 2026, Kharif crops had been sown across 658.19 lakh hectares nationwide. Although the overall sowing area is slightly lower than last year, officials reported encouraging progress in the cultivation of paddy, pulses, and several other Kharif crops across multiple states. The Agriculture Minister also instructed officials overseeing the pulses, oilseeds, and cotton missions to conduct weekly review meetings with state governments and ensure timely action based on field-level feedback.
The review included detailed assessments of the latest forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the potential development of El Niño conditions, and rainfall patterns across 270 districts identified as rainfall-sensitive. Officials also evaluated rainfall distribution, sowing progress, and crop health using satellite-based indicators such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to support timely agricultural planning. The Centre directed officials to maintain continuous surveillance in rainfall-deficient areas and implement contingency agricultural measures in coordination with state governments wherever required.
India Records 23% Below-Normal Rainfall:
Data presented during the meeting showed that between June 1 and July 15, 2026, India received 227 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 294.2 mm, representing a 23% rainfall deficit.
The government stated that rainfall conditions are being monitored continuously and that state-specific contingency plans will be implemented wherever necessary to minimise the impact on agriculture.
Timely Availability of Fertilizers and Seeds Prioritized:
The meeting also reviewed the availability and distribution of fertilizers, particularly urea, along with the supply of quality seeds for the Kharif season. Officials informed that adequate stocks have been arranged and supplies are being monitored continuously in coordination with state governments to prevent shortages.
The Agriculture Minister instructed officials to collect regular ground-level feedback through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state agriculture departments. He emphasised that farmers should receive fertilisers according to their requirements and that any disruption in the distribution system must be resolved without delay.
Continuous Monitoring Throughout the Kharif Season:
Central Government has indicated that it will continue to closely monitor monsoon progress, rainfall distribution, crop sowing, crop conditions, fertilizer and seed availability, and the evolving El Niño situation throughout the Kharif 2026 season. The objective is to take timely policy decisions, strengthen coordination with states, and ensure that farmers receive the necessary support to protect crop production amid changing weather conditions.
FAQs:
1. Why did the Government review Kharif 2026?
The review was conducted because India recorded a 23% rainfall deficit, and the government wanted to assess monsoon progress, crop sowing, El Niño risks, and input availability.
2. How much rainfall deficit has India recorded during Kharif 2026?
Between June 1 and July 15, 2026, India received 227 mm of rainfall against the normal 294.2 mm, resulting in a 23% below-normal rainfall.
3. How much area has been covered under Kharif sowing?
As of July 17, 2026, 658.19 lakh hectares had been sown under Kharif 2026 crops across the country.
4. Which regions recorded the highest rainfall deficit?
East and Northeast India recorded the largest deficit at 36% below normal, followed by Southern Peninsular India (26%), Northwest India (19%) and Central India (13%).
5. What steps is the government taking for farmers?
The government is ensuring timely fertiliser and seed supply, monitoring rainfall-deficient districts, reviewing El Niño conditions, and coordinating with states to protect crop production during Kharif 2026.
