Latest Agriculture Ministry data shows paddy acreage expanding over normal levels, while delayed sowing impacts pulses, oilseeds, coarse cereals and cotton during the 2026 Kharif season.

Key Highlights

• Total Kharif sowing reaches 632.69 lakh hectares as of July 10, 2026.
• Rice cultivation rises to 114.69 lakh hectares, exceeding the normal area by nearly 17 lakh hectares.
• Sugarcane and Jute & Mesta also record acreage above normal levels.
• Pulses, oilseeds, coarse cereals and cotton remain below last year’s sowing levels.
• Soybean, groundnut, maize and cotton witness the largest acreage decline compared to 2025.
• Sowing activity expected to accelerate further with the progress of the southwest monsoon.

New Delhi, July 13: India’s Kharif sowing has reached 632.69 lakh hectares as of July 10, 2026, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. While paddy cultivation has gained significant momentum this season, acreage under pulses, oilseeds, coarse cereals and cotton remains below last year’s levels.

The overall sown area is currently lower than the corresponding period in 2025, reflecting the staggered progress of monsoon-driven agricultural operations in several states. However, sowing activity is expected to pick up as rainfall improves across key farming regions.

Rice Emerges as the Bright Spot

Paddy has recorded the strongest performance among major Kharif crops.

Rice has been sown across 114.69 lakh hectares, compared to 97.74 lakh hectares under the normal average, representing an increase of 16.95 lakh hectares over the normal sowing pattern.

Although current acreage remains lower than the corresponding period last year, it reflects strong farmer preference supported by favourable monsoon conditions in several rice-growing states.

Pulses See Slower Progress

Total pulses have been sown over 56.63 lakh hectares, remaining below both last year’s coverage and the normal area.

Among pulse crops:

• Arhar (Tur): 19.54 lakh hectares
• Moong: 21.52 lakh hectares
• Urad: 9.34 lakh hectares

Moong remains the only major pulse showing acreage above the normal average, while Arhar and Urad continue to trail previous years.

Oilseeds and Coarse Cereals Behind Last Year

Oilseed sowing currently stands at 117.83 lakh hectares, led by:

• Soybean: 90.51 lakh hectares
• Groundnut: 23.40 lakh hectares

Both crops remain below last year’s corresponding sowing levels, although additional acreage is expected as monsoon activity strengthens.

Similarly, Shri Anna (Millets) and Coarse Cereals have covered 98.69 lakh hectares, with maize accounting for more than half the acreage.

Cotton Acreage Yet to Catch Up

Cotton has been sown over 79.54 lakh hectares, remaining significantly below last year’s pace and also below the normal average.

Agriculture experts generally expect cotton sowing to improve as rainfall stabilises across central and western India.

Sugarcane Maintains Stable Growth

Sugarcane continues to remain one of the most stable crops this season, covering 57.58 lakh hectares, higher than the normal area.

Jute and Mesta have also marginally exceeded their normal acreage.

What the Numbers Indicate

The latest sowing figures suggest that the 2026 Kharif season is progressing steadily, although crop-wise variations remain significant. Rice continues to outperform historical averages, while acreage under pulses, oilseeds and cotton is expected to improve as farmers complete sowing operations during the peak monsoon period.

The Ministry will continue monitoring crop coverage throughout July and August, when a substantial portion of Kharif sowing is typically completed.

Impact on Hospitality, Food Processing and Tourism

The progress of the Kharif season has direct implications for India’s food supply chain, hospitality industry and food processing sector. Strong paddy acreage supports long-term stability in rice availability for hotels, restaurants, institutional catering and packaged food manufacturers.

However, lower sowing of pulses, edible oil crops and cotton may require close monitoring by food processors and hospitality businesses, as these commodities influence input costs for restaurants, catering services and food manufacturers. Oilseeds affect edible oil prices, while pulses are essential ingredients across India’s hospitality sector.

A healthy Kharif harvest also benefits rural tourism and agri-tourism by improving farm incomes and stimulating local economies. Better agricultural output strengthens demand across rural hospitality, transportation and food services, while providing consistent raw material supply for India’s growing food processing industry.