Kolkata, New Delhi, INDIA. New York, USA.
Business To Business, New Delhi, 11 August 2026: The gap in kharif crop sowing has narrowed to 1.82% compared with the same period last year, although paddy, the season's biggest crop, continues to lag, according to Agriculture Ministry data released on Tuesday.
As of August 7, kharif crops had been sown across 967.92 lakh hectares, compared with 985.89 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year.
Crop-wise sowing
| Crop | Area sown (2026) | Area sown (2025) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total kharif crops | 967.92 lakh ha | 985.89 lakh ha | -1.82% |
| Paddy | 344.78 lakh ha | 360.67 lakh ha | -4.40% |
| Pulses | 103.78 lakh ha | 105.73 lakh ha | Lower |
| Coarse cereals | 168.50 lakh ha | 173.21 lakh ha | Lower |