Kharif Crop Surge in 2025 May Help Tame Inflation and Lift Rural Growth: Report

India's kharif crop sowing has gone up by 4.1 per cent compared to last year, as of July 18, 2025. This is due to better rainfall and good water storage levels in reservoirs, according to a new report from Bank of Baroda.

Sowing Area and Rainfall Show Positive Signs

The report shows that the total area where kharif crops are being grown has reached 708.31 lakh hectares. This is higher than last year’s 680.38 lakh hectares. The boost is thanks to the monsoon, which has brought 6% more rain than normal across many farming areas.

Among the crops, coarse grains and rice have shown the most growth—13.6% and 12.4% increases in sowing, respectively. Pulses, especially moong, also rose by 2.3%. On the other hand, sowing of oilseeds and cotton dropped by 3.7% and 3.4%.

Experts believe that the rise in crop sowing can help reduce food prices and lift the mood in rural areas in the coming months.

Regional Rainfall and Reservoir Status Look Promising

Most regions have received good rainfall so far. Central India got 22% more rain, and the northwest region received 29% more than usual. However, some areas in the East and North-East, like Bihar, Assam, and Manipur, are still facing 23% less rainfall than normal.

India’s water reservoirs are also in better shape this year. As of July 18, they are filled to 57% of their full capacity—much better than the 29% recorded last year. The South region in India leads with 65 per cent storage, followed by the West area with 59 per cent and the Central region with 54 per cent.

More Rain Expected in Coming Weeks

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather patterns are stable, and more rain is expected in the northwest over the next two weeks. This could help improve sowing in areas where progress has been slow.