Monsoon Rains Boost Kharif Sowing by 3.4% Despite Regional Deficits
New Delhi, Aug 28 (TheTrendingPeople) – India’s South-West monsoon has delivered rainfall 4 per cent above the long-period average (LPA) this season, offsetting an early-August slowdown and boosting agricultural activity across the country. According to a report by CareEdge Ratings released on Thursday, this has translated into a 3.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in kharif sowing, with foodgrains showing the strongest growth.
Rainfall Pattern: Above Normal but Uneven
The South-West monsoon, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual rainfall, has so far performed better than expected, the report said. While most regions have received rainfall above LPA, the East and North-East parts of the country remain exceptions with a 17 per cent deficit.
North-West India recorded the highest surplus at 19 per cent above LPA, followed by Central India at 9 per cent and the South Peninsula at 5 per cent.
However, sharp deficiencies persist in some states. Meghalaya registered a 43 per cent rainfall shortfall, Arunachal Pradesh 39 per cent, Assam 34 per cent, and Bihar 26 per cent. Despite these gaps, 24 of the 36 meteorological subdivisions, covering 60 per cent of India’s landmass, have received normal rainfall since June.
Boost to Kharif Sowing
The improvement in rainfall has provided a crucial lifeline to kharif crops, which depend heavily on monsoon irrigation. Foodgrain sowing rose 6.2 per cent, with cereals showing the strongest gains at 7.2 per cent and pulses expanding modestly by 1.2 per cent.
Other major crops displayed mixed trends. Sugarcane sowing increased by 2.9 per cent, while oilseeds and fibres contracted by 2.8 per cent and 2.7 per cent, respectively.
The weak performance of oilseeds is particularly concerning amid high edible oil inflation. CareEdge noted that sluggish sowing in this category could continue to exert pressure on food prices in the coming months.
Reservoir Storage and Irrigation Outlook
One of the most significant positives has been the improvement in reservoir storage. All-India levels currently stand at 78 per cent of capacity, higher than 72 per cent at the same time last year. This is expected to provide crucial support for irrigation, especially in states facing localized rainfall deficits.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal rainfall during the second half of the South-West monsoon season, further strengthening prospects for agricultural production.
Risks Ahead
Despite the upbeat outlook, CareEdge Ratings cautioned that risks remain. Excessive rainfall in certain pockets of the country could damage standing crops, leading to production volatility. Economists are also closely monitoring the uneven rainfall distribution, which could impact state-level agricultural output and rural demand.
Agricultural analyst Devendra Singh explained, “The overall picture looks positive, but regional imbalances remain a concern. For example, pulses and oilseeds are critical for both farmers’ income and consumers’ budgets. Any shortfall here could translate into higher food inflation, even if overall foodgrain output remains strong.”
Why It Matters
The South-West monsoon is vital for India’s economy, influencing not only agriculture but also rural consumption, food inflation, and overall GDP growth. A strong kharif season supports the income of nearly half of India’s workforce dependent on farming and helps stabilize food supply across the country.
With above-normal rainfall predicted for the remainder of the season, hopes are high for a robust agricultural year. However, policymakers remain cautious about the uneven distribution of rain and the potential impact on food prices, particularly in the oilseeds segment.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s 2025 South-West monsoon is proving to be a mixed story – strong enough to boost overall kharif sowing, yet uneven enough to leave certain crops and regions vulnerable. As reservoir levels rise and sowing picks up pace, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this monsoon turns out to be a boon for farmers and consumers alike.