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Cotton, Maize, and Soybean Crops at Risk in Pachora; Farmers Distressed by Erratic RainfallPachora (Maharashtra), July 16: Cotton, maize, and soybean crops in the Pachora taluka of Maharashtra's Jalgaon district are being affected by erratic rainfall. Farmers are increasingly concerned due to a prolonged dry spell following the initial rains at the onset of the *Mrig Nakshatra*. There are fears of stunted crop growth and a significant decline in yields.Cotton is the primary cash crop in Pachora taluka. Many farmers had sown cotton between mid-May and early June with high hopes. However, the long gap in rainfall following the initial showers has hampered crop growth. Apart from cotton, maize and soybean crops are also suffering due to the lack of rain.The average annual rainfall in the taluka is 743.47 millimeters. Last year, the region recorded approximately 125% of the normal rainfall. In contrast, only 161.6 millimeters of rain has been recorded up to the beginning of July this year. Due to the scanty rainfall, rivers and canals in the taluka have not yet received adequate water.The shortage of water in local sources has directly impacted irrigation. Many wells have dried up. Despite having drip irrigation facilities in their fields, farmers are unable to provide sufficient water to the cotton crop because the wells lack water. The lack of rain has caused the grass on farm bunds to dry up, and many crops are on the verge of withering.However, rainfall in some areas has brought some relief to farmers and accelerated agricultural activities. Farmers are busy with tasks such as weeding, applying chemical fertilizers, and spraying pesticides.These activities are also providing employment to farm laborers in rural areas. Currently, female laborers are earning around ₹300 for a shift from 8 AM to 1 PM, while male laborers are receiving approximately ₹500 per day in wages. Farmers say that if there is no adequate and regular rainfall in the coming days, cotton, maize, and soybean crops could be severely affected.RAED MORE :- Maharashtra Kharif Sowing Reaches 60% of Normal Area, Trails Last Year

Kharif sowing in Maharashtra reaches 60% of normal acreage; lags significantly behind last yearMumbai, July 15: Kharif crop sowing in Maharashtra had covered 86.92 lakh hectares by July 13. According to state government data, this represents approximately 60% of the normal Kharif sowing area (excluding sugarcane). However, the pace of sowing is significantly slower compared to the same period last year.By July 13 last year, Kharif crops had been sown across 120.65 lakh hectares in the state, accounting for nearly 84% of the normal area. A substantial shortfall in sowing acreage has been recorded so far this year.Crop damage due to heavy rainsAccording to preliminary assessments by the Maharashtra government, heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms in July have damaged 6,673 hectares of agricultural and horticultural crops across the state.However, the government reports that sowing activities are now picking up pace in several districts. Farmers in areas affected by heavy rains have begun re-transplanting paddy. Meanwhile, crops sown earlier are currently in the germination and early growth stages.Kharif sowing slow across the countryKharif crop sowing across the country is lagging behind last year's figures due to a weak southwest monsoon. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kharif crops had been sown across 531.25 lakh hectares nationwide by July 10, compared to 632.69 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Consequently, there has been a decline of approximately 16% in sowing acreage at the national level.Paddy acreage dropped to 114.69 lakh hectares from 125.53 lakh hectares last year. Oilseed acreage also declined from 149.18 lakh hectares to 117.83 lakh hectares; within this category, soybean acreage fell from 107.72 lakh hectares to 90.51 lakh hectares. In contrast, the sugarcane acreage increased from 56.72 lakh hectares to 57.58 lakh hectares, and the area under jute and mesta rose from 6.16 lakh hectares to 6.28 lakh hectares.Cotton sowing also lagged behind last year's figures. As of July 10, the cotton acreage in the country stood at 79.54 lakh hectares, whereas it was 93.95 lakh hectares during the same period last year.READ MORE :- Rupee Falls 10 Paise, Closes at 96.35 Against US Dollar

On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened at 96.25 against the US dollar and closed at 96.35, marking a decline of 10 paise for the trading session.At the close, the Sensex was up 1.44 points at 77,186.87, while the Nifty was down 5.75 points (or 0.02 percent) at 24,072.75. Approximately 1,947 shares advanced, 2,119 shares declined, and 194 shares remained unchanged.READ MORE :-  Agriculture Minister Optimistic Kharif Sowing Deficit Will Be Covered by August 15

Agriculture Minister Expects Kharif Sowing Deficit to be Covered by August 15New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday that the shortfall in the area sown with Kharif crops could be made up, as the sowing season continues until August 15. He stated that the government is closely monitoring the monsoon and the progress of sowing.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Chouhan said there is still sufficient time for Kharif sowing. He said, "Kharif sowing takes place up to August 15. Rainfall was deficient in June, but there has been good rainfall in the first week of July. There is a possibility of good rainfall after July 20 as well."He noted that the total area sown with crops up to July 10 in the current Kharif season is lower compared to the same period last year. However, he expressed hope that sowing would pick up pace in the coming days and the deficit in acreage would be covered.Chouhan stated that the central government is continuously monitoring the situation and efforts are being made to ensure the timely availability of seeds, fertilizers, and other essential agricultural inputs to farmers. When asked if the sowing deficit could be bridged through improved sowing activity, he said, "There is a possibility. I am very hopeful."According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the total area sown with Kharif crops up to July 10 stood at 531.25 lakh hectares, down 15.93 percent from 631.88 lakh hectares during the same period last year.The acreage for oilseeds declined by 21 percent to 117.83 lakh hectares. Within this category, the area under soybean fell by 16 percent to 90.51 lakh hectares.Cotton sowing is also lagging. As of July 10, the cotton acreage stood at 79.54 lakh hectares, a decline of 15.33 percent from the 93.95 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. Sowing of Kharif crops usually begins in June with the arrival of the southwest monsoon. However, sowing has been affected this year due to a weak monsoon. Sowing is expected to pick up pace with an improvement in rainfall in the coming days.READ MORE :- ndian Rupee Opens Steady at 96.25 Against US Dollar

The rupee opened steady at 96.25/$.On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened steady at 96.25 against the US dollar, whereas it had closed at 96.25 the previous day.The BSE Sensex opened at 77,388.42, higher than its previous close of 77,185.43, while the NSE Nifty50 opened at 24,142.10, compared with Wednesday’s close of 24,078.50.READ MORE :- The rupee settled 08 paise lower at 96.25 against the US dollar.

On Wednesday, the Indian rupee opened at 96.17 against the US dollar and settled at 96.25, ending the trading session 08 paise lower. The NSE Nifty 50 closed 0.11 per cent or 26.45 points higher at 24,074.85, while the BSE Sensex rose 0.17 per cent or 130.49 points to end at 77,185.43.Read more :- Cotton Prices Rise as Lower Sowing Area and Global Rates Support Market

Cotton prices rise due to reduced cultivation area and higher global pricesIndian cotton prices have strengthened amidst a surge in global rates and concerns over reduced cultivation acreage caused by scanty rainfall. According to recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the area under cotton cultivation has dropped by 15 percent to 79.54 lakh hectares (lh) as of July 10, down from 93.95 lakh hectares previously.Over the past two days, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has raised its prices by ₹800 per candy (356 kg), while demand from both mills and traders remains robust.Ramanuj Das Boob, a sourcing agent in Raichur, said, "Market supply is low, and prices in New York have also risen; futures prices on the ICE have climbed from around 75-76 cents per pound to approximately 81-82 cents." He added, "Uncertainty regarding the upcoming crop due to the delayed monsoon is impacting the market." He further noted that the CCI is witnessing strong demand, with sales of 1.2 lakh bales on Monday and 1.5 lakh bales on Tuesday.Das Boob mentioned that multinational companies are also offloading their stocks, with their prices running about ₹1,000 per candy higher than the CCI's rates.He further stated that the cotton crops that have already sprouted require rainfall. "There is a lack of rain in parts of Karnataka and Telangana where sowing has already taken place. If it doesn't rain now, it could lead to difficulties," he said.Atul Ganatra, Chairman of the Crop Committee at the Cotton Association of India (CAI)—the apex body for the cotton trade—remains optimistic about cotton prospects despite concerns over deficient rainfall. He said, "El Niño will not impact the cotton crop. In fact, it will help increase the cotton sowing area. Lower rainfall will result in better yield, quality, and quantity."Ganatra stated, "Cotton sowing has been completed on approximately 8 million hectares so far, compared to 8.6 million hectares during the same period last year. Sowing will exceed 10 million hectares by July 25, as almost all cotton-growing regions have received good rainfall. Farmers are rapidly sowing cotton due to the current lull in the rains." In South India, the cotton acreage this year is 20 percent higher than last year. Ganatra added, "Due to the delayed rainfall, farmers are left with cotton sowing as their primary option. Consequently, total cotton sowing is expected to reach 12.5–13 million hectares, an increase of about 10–15 percent over last year."Ready AvailabilityGanatra noted that large mills are purchasing cotton at ₹64,000, even though they already hold stocks sufficient for 3–4 months. He said, "Since they had purchased at lower rates earlier, they are buying at current prices as well to average out their costs." Major Indian mills hold cotton stocks sufficient until November, with some holding supplies lasting until December 31.Rajkot-based broker Anand Popat stated in his weekly newsletter that overall cotton availability in India remains robust. However, premium-quality cotton is relatively scarce, and a significant portion of the available stock is held by the CCI and multinational trading companies. Popat remarked, "This could keep cotton prices firm for the remainder of the season."Daily cotton arrivals have dropped to approximately 7,000–8,000 bales. He stated that demand from spinning mills remains steady, while a gradual improvement in yarn demand has been observed in both domestic and export markets.READ MORE :- Rain Revives Narma Crop in Muklawa, Farmers Expect Better Yield

Rainfall Gives New Life to Narma Crop in Muklawa Region; Farmers Hope for Good YieldRecent good rainfall has greatly benefited the Narma (cotton) crop in the Muklawa region. Crop growth in the fields has accelerated, and the plants appear lush and green. Adequate moisture is fostering the development of new leaves, raising farmers' hopes for a better harvest.Farmers state that the timely rainfall has proven to be a lifeline for the crop. Previously, intense heat and a lack of moisture were hindering plant growth, but conditions in the fields have improved significantly following the rain. Flowering has also begun on the Narma plants in many fields. According to agricultural experts, balanced and timely rainfall is beneficial for the Narma crop; it enhances plant growth and increases yield potential. However, they have advised farmers to immediately drain any water that remains stagnant in the fields for extended periods to prevent root damage and ensure the crop remains healthy.Farmers reported that they are regularly monitoring the crop and preparing to implement necessary agricultural management practices to protect against pests and diseases. They believe that if the weather remains favorable in the coming days, there is a strong possibility of a good Narma harvest this year. READ MORE :- Rainfall Deficit Worries Cotton and Soybean Farmers in Yavatmal

Concerns Mount for Cotton and Soybean Farmers in the Mahan Area of Yavatmal District, Maharashtra, Due to a Break in RainfallMahan, Yavatmal (Maharashtra): Farmers in Mahan and surrounding areas are worried due to a lack of rainfall over the past week, following a spell of continuous rain in early July. While cotton farmers had swiftly completed weeding operations with the help of laborers during the rains that began on July 7, the current dry spell is raising concerns about the health of soybean and other Kharif crops.Continuous rainfall between July 1 and July 7 had disrupted field activities such as weeding, the application of chemical fertilizers, and other agricultural tasks. However, favorable weather conditions from the evening of July 7 through July 14 allowed farmers to complete most of the pending work. Although essential field operations are largely finished, timely rainfall remains crucial for the healthy growth of the crops.The absence of rain for the past eight days has left Kharif crops—including cotton, soybean, arhar (pigeon pea), jowar (sorghum), urad (black gram), and moong (green gram)—struggling with a lack of moisture. Soybean crops sown in the first week of July, in particular, are in urgent need of water at this stage. Rising temperatures and depleting soil moisture are causing soybean plants to wilt, further heightening farmers' anxiety.Farmers state that if good rainfall does not occur soon, the growth of major Kharif crops, including soybean, could be stunted, potentially impacting overall yields. Consequently, farmers in Mahan and the surrounding areas of Yavatmal district are anxiously looking to the skies, hoping for beneficial rain.READ MORE :- Gujarat: Farmers Re-sow Cotton Crop in Amreli After Heavy Rain Damage

Gujarat: Cotton Re-sowing in Amreli Following Heavy RainsAmreli (Gujarat): Heavy rainfall and waterlogging in the fields have caused significant damage to cotton sowing in Amreli district. With a large portion of the initial sowing ruined in several villages—including Keriya Chav—farmers have now set to work on re-sowing. Once the rains subsided, re-sowing operations were rapidly launched using farm laborers and agricultural machinery.According to farmers, incessant rain led to water accumulation in the fields, causing cotton seeds to get buried in the soil and preventing germination. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of the crop initially sown via tractor has been affected. Consequently, farmers are left with no option but to re-sow.Although field operations have resumed following the cessation of rain, farmers are grappling with mounting financial concerns. Re-sowing entails purchasing new seeds and incurring additional labor costs, effectively doubling the overall cultivation expenditure. Farmers are now working day and night in a race against time to save the crop.Farmer Hitendrabhai Malviya stated that the initial sowing yielded only about 40 percent success. Most of the crop was damaged due to heavy rain and waterlogging, necessitating re-sowing. He said, "I had initially sown cotton across 22 *bighas*, but following the losses, I am now re-sowing an area of 30 to 35 *bighas*."Farmers remain hopeful that if weather conditions stay favorable in the coming days, the re-sown cotton crop might help recoup some of the losses. However, the constantly changing weather and rising cultivation costs continue to weigh heavily on their minds.READ MORE :- Kharif Sowing Gains Momentum, Cotton and Oilseed Acreage Trails Last Year

Kharif sowing picks up pace, but cotton and oilseed acreage remains significantly lower than last yearThe activation of the southwest monsoon has accelerated Kharif crop sowing across the country; however, the sowing of cotton and oilseeds continues to lag behind last year's figures. According to the latest data released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare up to July 10, 2026, while increased rainfall in recent weeks has improved the pace of sowing, the acreage for these two major cash crops has yet to reach last year's levels.Government data indicates that oilseed sowing has covered 117.83 lakh hectares (11.78 million hectares), compared to 149.18 lakh hectares during the same period last year. This represents a decline of 31.35 lakh hectares, or approximately 21 percent, in total oilseed acreage. Among oilseed crops, soybean accounted for the largest share, with sowing recorded at 90.51 lakh hectares; this is down from 107.72 lakh hectares during the same period last year, marking a reduction of 17.21 lakh hectares. Similarly, groundnut acreage has dropped from 35.45 lakh hectares to 23.40 lakh hectares.Cotton sowing has been recorded at 79.54 lakh hectares (7.95 million hectares), down from 93.95 lakh hectares during the same period last year—a decrease of 14.41 lakh hectares, or approximately 15.3 percent. Although recent rains have accelerated sowing in major cotton-producing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, the total area remains below last year's figures.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall activity is likely to remain relatively subdued over the next six to seven days across the plains of northwest India, west-central India, and the southern peninsular regions. Consequently, the pace of cotton and oilseed sowing in rain-fed areas could be affected.On the other hand, the water resource situation has improved. Water storage in the 166 major reservoirs monitored by the government rose to 32.38 percent of their live storage capacity by July 9, up from 26 percent a week earlier. Improved water availability is expected to benefit crops in irrigated areas.Experts believe that monsoon activity during the second half of July will be crucial for the sowing and potential output of cotton and oilseeds. If rainfall remains normal, the sowing gap could narrow further, whereas a prolonged weak monsoon could put pressure on the production of these two crops.READ MORE :- Rajasthan Targets 4x Textile Exports by 2030, Unveils Special Export Action Plan