Under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a detailed review was done in New Delhi today to assess the progress of sowing of Kharif crops, the impact of El Niño and current situation of monsoon, situation of sensitive districts with deficient rainfall, availability of fertilisers and seeds, water storage in reservoirs, etc.

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed officials to keep special monitoring on areas with deficient rainfall and maintain continuous coordination with the states. It was informed during the meeting that till July 17, 2026, the total sowing area of Kharif crops in the country has been recorded at 658.19 lakh hectares. Although there has been a decrease in the total sowing area compared to last year, positive progress has been seen in sowing under paddy, pulses and other crops in many states. Shri Shivraj Chouhan directed that weekly review meetings should be organised by pulses, oilseeds and cotton missions with state governments and quick action should be ensured based on feedback received from field level.

In the meeting, the forecasts of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), possible El Niño conditions and the situation of 270 sensitive districts across the country from the point of view of rainfall were reviewed. During this, a detailed presentation was given on the situation of monsoon and rainfall. The situation of rainfall in various states, areas with less and more rainfall, progress of sowing of crops and the condition of crops based on indicators like NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) were also reviewed. In the meeting, while reviewing the progress of monsoon, discussions were also held on favourable conditions for agricultural activities during the Kharif season.

It was informed in the meeting that the South-West Monsoon spread completely across the country by July 9, 2026, covering the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. Generally, the monsoon covers the entire country by July 8, while this year its expansion was completed only one day after the normal date. With the nationwide expansion of the monsoon, favourable conditions have been created for the 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 at 23 per cent below normal. During this period, 227 mm rainfall occurred across the country, while normal rainfall is 294.2 mm. The highest rainfall deficiency was in the East and Northeast India, where 348 mm rainfall occurred against a normal of 540.2 mm, which means, a deficiency of 36 per cent was recorded. There was a 26 per cent deficiency in Southern Peninsular India, 19 per cent in Northwest India and 13 per cent in Central India. On the basis of these figures, continuous monitoring is being kept on the situation of rainfall and appropriate agricultural management and contingency measures are being ensured in coordination with the states as per requirement. Shri Chouhan directed to maintain continuous monitoring on the situation of rainfall and ensure appropriate agricultural management and contingency measures in coordination with the states as per requirement.

The availability and distribution of fertilisers, especially urea, and the availability of seeds were also reviewed during the meeting. It was informed that adequate availability of fertilisers and seeds has been ensured for Kharif 2026 and continuous monitoring of supply is being done through regular coordination with the states. The Union Minister directed that information on the actual situation should be obtained through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state governments. He said that it should be ensured that farmers get fertilisers according to their requirement and if there is any shortage in the distribution system, its quick solution should be done.

At the end of the review meeting, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed both departments of the Agriculture Ministry that continuous monitoring of agricultural activities during the Kharif season should be done through coordination with the states, scientific advice, weather-based agricultural management and effective implementation of schemes to the farmers. He said that the Central Government is fully committed to protecting the interests of farmers and increasing agricultural production.

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RC/MS/MK