Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan reviewed the sowing of Kharif crops. Weak monsoon, impact of El Nino and districts with low rainfall were discussed in the meeting. The Minister directed the officials to maintain coordination with the states and for continuous monitoring.
New Delhi [भारत]July 21 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today chaired a meeting to assess the progress of sowing of Kharif crops, impact of El Nino and the current status of monsoon in a detailed review. The situation of sensitive districts with low rainfall, availability of fertilizers and seeds and water storage in reservoirs were also reviewed in the meeting. The Union Minister directed the officials to keep special vigil in the areas with low rainfall and maintain constant coordination with the states.
During the meeting, it was informed that till July 17, 2026, the total sowing area of Kharif crops in the country has been recorded at 658.19 lakh hectares. Although the total sowing area has declined compared to last year, positive progress has been seen in sowing of paddy, pulses and other crops in many states.
According to a release, Chouhan directed that weekly review meetings should be held with state governments by the Pulses, Oilseeds and Cotton Missions and prompt action should be ensured based on feedback received from the grassroots level.
Review of weather and rain conditions
In the meeting, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, possible El Nino conditions and the situation of 270 sensitive districts across the country in terms of rainfall were reviewed. During this, a detailed presentation was given on the status of monsoon and rainfall. The status of crops was also reviewed based on indicators such as rainfall status in different states, areas with low and high rainfall, progress of sowing of crops and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index).
While reviewing the progress of monsoon, favorable conditions for agricultural activities during Kharif season were also discussed in the meeting. The meeting was informed that the southwest monsoon had spread over the entire country by July 9, 2026, including remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. Normally, monsoon covers the entire country by July 8, while this year its extension was completed only a day after the normal date. With the nationwide extension of monsoon, favorable conditions have become favorable for sowing of Kharif crops in most of the states.
During the period from June 1 to July 15, 2026, the average rainfall in the country was recorded 23 percent below normal. There was a decrease of 26 percent in southern peninsular India, 19 percent in north-west India and 13 percent in central India. Based on these data, the rainfall situation is being continuously monitored and proper agricultural management and contingency measures are being taken in coordination with the States as required.
Chouhan directed to maintain constant monitoring of rainfall situation and ensure proper agricultural management and contingency measures in coordination with states as required.
Review of availability of fertilizers and seeds
The availability and distribution of fertilizers, especially urea, and availability of seeds were also reviewed during the meeting. It was informed that adequate availability of fertilizers and seeds for Kharif 2026 has been ensured and the supply is being continuously monitored through regular coordination with the states. (ANI)
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