Record monsoon showers drive India’s kharif harvest to its highest level yet

India received higher-than-normal rainfall during the 2025 monsoon season, which helped push kharif crop production to a record level. According to the India Meteorological Department, rainfall was more than eight per cent above the long-term average. August was one of the wettest months in years, and September also saw above-average rains across the country.

The intense rainfall in late August and early September caused flooding in several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. These floods led to loss of life, damage to property, and destruction of crops in some pockets, especially in Punjab and Haryana, which are major contributors to kharif production.

Despite these challenges, the overall impact of above-normal rains was positive for India’s kharif crop output. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare estimates that total kharif production for 2025–26 will reach 714.1 million tonnes, one of the highest levels in recent years. Sugarcane remains the largest contributor, with production expected at 475.6 million tonnes, an increase of 21 million tonnes compared to the previous year.

The increase in production is not limited to sugarcane. Other major kharif crops, including cereals, oilseeds, and pulses, have also recorded strong outputs. This growth comes despite the damage caused by floods, showing the resilience of India’s agricultural sector and the positive effect of timely rainfall on crop growth.

Cereals, oilseeds, and pulses see strong growth

Among cereals, production is estimated at 165.9 million tonnes, led by rice and maize. Rice production is expected to reach 124.5 million tonnes, the highest in recent years, while maize is estimated at 28.3 million tonnes, also marking a record. Other cereals such as ragi, jowar, bajra, and small millets contributed to the total output, reflecting the widespread benefit of favorable rains across different regions.

Kharif oilseed production is estimated at 27.56 million tonnes. Soybeans and groundnuts lead the category, with production expected at 14.27 million tonnes and 11.09 million tonnes, respectively. These crops benefited from good rainfall during their critical growth periods, leading to better yields per hectare in several states.

Pulses also recorded modest growth, with total kharif output estimated at 7.41 million tonnes. Tur (arhar) is expected to reach 3.60 million tonnes, moong 1.72 million tonnes, and urad 1.21 million tonnes. While pulses are generally sensitive to heavy rainfall, the overall season allowed for healthy growth, especially in regions with well-managed irrigation and drainage systems.

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The monsoon season began with fears that heavy rains would wash away sowing fields and reduce crop production. However, the eventual outcome was far more positive. While some localized damage occurred due to floods, the above-normal rains enhanced soil moisture, supported crop growth, and allowed farmers to achieve higher yields. This contributed to India reaching record kharif production levels in several key crops.

The strong performance of kharif crops is expected to have multiple benefits. High production helps stabilize food prices, improves farmers’ incomes, and strengthens the country’s food security. Sugarcane, cereals, oilseeds, and pulses together form a critical part of India’s agricultural economy, and the gains from this season could support both domestic consumption and export potential.

Officials note that proper planning, timely sowing, and effective use of rainfall contributed to this record output. Even in states affected by floods, recovery efforts and replanting in unaffected areas helped maintain overall production levels. Farmers and agricultural authorities worked together to minimize losses and maximize yield from the monsoon rains.

Looking at regional contributions, states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh benefited the most from the favorable monsoon. Sugarcane, cereals, and pulses from these regions have reached new production highs. Rice and maize, grown widely across eastern and central India, also reported strong growth due to the combination of rainfall and improved farming practices.

In conclusion, the 2025–26 kharif season shows how above-normal monsoon rainfall, while causing localized damage, can overall boost agricultural production. Total kharif production is expected to reach 714.1 million tonnes, with sugarcane, cereals, oilseeds, and pulses all showing strong growth. The season ended on a positive note for India’s farmers, demonstrating the resilience of agriculture and the important role of monsoon rains in sustaining crop output.