India's Kharif acreage gap with last year has narrowed sharply to 42.28 lakh hectares, from 101.4 lakh hectares a week earlier, even as the cumulative rainfall deficit widened to 23.8%.
India's Kharif sowing season is showing signs of recovery despite a worsening monsoon rainfall deficit, with the acreage gap from last year narrowing substantially over the past week. The improvement has been led by rice and other major crops, although overall planting remains below last year's levels, according to a report by Dolat Capital.
The country's total Kharif acreage stood at 658.19 lakh hectares as of July 17, compared with 700.47 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year. The shortfall of 42.28 lakh hectares is significantly lower than the 101.4 lakh hectare gap recorded a week earlier, suggesting that farmers have accelerated planting activity despite uneven rainfall.
The development comes as India's cumulative rainfall deficit has widened considerably. According to the Dolat Capital report, the deficit increased from 15% as of July 8 to 17.8% on July 12 before reaching 23.8% by July 19.
The continued pace of sowing despite weaker rainfall indicates that accumulated soil moisture may have helped farmers proceed with planting so far. However, the trajectory of the monsoon in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the recovery can be sustained.
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