Pune Farmers Worried As Monsoon Delay Impacts Kharif Sowing Plans
Pune Farmers Worried As Monsoon Delay Impacts Kharif Sowing Plans
Pune, 18 June, 2026:Â The delayed arrival of the southwest monsoon has become a cause of concern for farmers across Pune district, as it may affect the sowing of important pulse crops such as moong (green gram) and urad (black gram).
Agriculture Department officials said the ideal sowing period for these crops is during the first three weeks of June. If rainfall continues to remain below normal, the area under cultivation may decrease this year.
District Agriculture Officer Sanjay Kachole said Pune district usually cultivates around 10,000 hectares of moong and nearly 2,000 hectares of urad. However, the delay in rainfall could make it difficult to achieve these targets this season.
Pune district has a total kharif sowing area of nearly two lakh hectares. Paddy is the main crop, covering around 60,000 hectares, followed by soybean, pulses and other rain-fed crops. Officials said timely rainfall is important for farmers to begin sowing activities.
While some farmers have completed ploughing and land preparation, most are waiting for steady rainfall before planting seeds.
Officials warned that if the monsoon is delayed for another week, many farmers may reduce the area under pulse cultivation or switch to crops that can be sown later in the season.
Farmers have expressed concern over the dry conditions. Shankar Jadhav, a farmer from Indapur, said farmers usually start sowing moong after receiving the first good rainfall in June. However, fields are still dry this year, and a further delay could force some farmers to skip pulse cultivation altogether.
Sunita Pawar, a farmer from Baramati, said moong is a short-duration crop that provides quick returns. Missing the sowing period could directly affect farmers’ earnings, she said.
Agricultural experts said delayed sowing can lower crop yields and increase the risk of pest and disease attacks later in the season.
The Agriculture Department has advised farmers not to start sowing after a few isolated showers. Instead, they have been asked to wait until there is enough moisture in the soil for proper seed germination. Officials are also preparing contingency plans in case the monsoon delay continues.
Experts warned that prolonged dry weather could also affect vegetable cultivation, which may lead to higher vegetable prices in the coming months.
Officials said widespread rainfall in the next few days will be crucial to protect Pune district’s kharif crops and prevent losses in pulse production.
