Paddy acreage falls 4% in kharif sowing season till September 11

Paddy cultivation area has declined by 4% till September 11 of the ongoing 2026 kharif sowing season, according to government data. The contraction in rice acreage marks a notable shift in crop planting patterns during the monsoon-driven agricultural cycle.

In contrast, pulses have shown growth momentum, with the area under coverage rising to 118.46 lakh hectares from 116.79 lakh hectares in the same period. The shift reflects changing farmer preferences and market dynamics as the kharif season progresses.