Kharif Sowing Review: Fertilizer, Seed, Monsoon & El Nino Status
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a weekly review meeting to assess kharif sowing progress, monsoon coverage, El Nino impact, and availability of fertilizers and seeds. The meeting highlighted a 23% rainfall deficit and 270 sensitive districts, with directions for continuous monitoring and coordination with states.
Background
The southwest monsoon normally covers the entire country by July 8. This year, it completed coverage by July 9, 2026, only a day late. Kharif sowing is underway, and the government is monitoring rainfall, reservoir levels, and input availability to mitigate any adverse effects.
Key facts
Total kharif sowing area as of July 17, 2026: 658.19 lakh hectares.
Southwest monsoon covered the entire country by July 9, 2026 (normal date: July 8).
Average rainfall from June 1 to July 15, 2026: 227 mm (23% below normal of 294.2 mm).
Highest rainfall deficit in East & Northeast India: 36% below normal (348 mm vs 540.2 mm).
Other deficits: Southern Peninsula 26%, Northwest India 19%, Central India 13%.
270 sensitive districts identified for rainfall deficit monitoring.
Adequate availability of fertilizers (especially urea) and seeds for kharif 2026.
Directions given to hold weekly review meetings with states under pulses, oilseeds, and cotton missions.
NDVI indicators used to assess crop condition.
Minister directed KVKs and state governments to provide real-time field feedback.
Prelims pointers
- Southwest monsoon normal coverage date: July 8.
- IMD: Indian Meteorological Department.
- NDVI: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index.
- KVK: Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
- Kharif season: June-October.
- Sensitive districts: 270.
- Rainfall deficit: 23% (June 1-July 15, 2026).
- Total kharif sown area: 658.19 lakh hectares (as of July 17, 2026).
Mains angles
- GS3: Agriculture – Impact of monsoon variability on kharif sowing and food security.
- GS3: Disaster Management – Government preparedness for El Nino and rainfall deficit.
- GS2: Government Policies – Role of weekly review meetings and coordination with states.
- GS3: Agriculture – Fertilizer distribution and seed availability challenges.