New Delhi : The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) warning of a weakening monsoon across western and southern India has raised alarm bells for the agricultural sector. With nearly 60% of India’s arable land relying on rainfed farming, the crucial Kharif (summer) crop cycle is facing heavy disruption.

Total crop sowing has already lagged significantly compared to last year. Water-intensive and rain-dependent crops are taking the hardest hit:

• Paddy (Rice) & Cotton: Sowing has slowed down drastically in key southern and western belts due to insufficient soil moisture.

• Pulses & Oilseeds: Acreage has dropped sharply, threatening overall seasonal yields.

As parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh experience prolonged dry spells, the government has flagged multiple districts for agricultural stress. If the deficit persists through critical growth windows, it could trigger a spike in food inflation and force tighter domestic export restrictions on essential staples.