The sowing area across eight districts of the Marathwada region in Maharashtra has shrunk by 17.87 lakh hectares compared to the corresponding period last year, officials said on Tuesday. The overall sowing percentage in the region stands at around 58 per cent, according to a report from the agriculture department cited by The Hindu Business Line.
Sowing Area Decline Details
The average land under cultivation in the Marathwada region over the last five years was 49.72 lakh hectares. In 2025, sowing took place on 42.42 lakh hectares. However, as of the latest data, the area under cultivation has shrunk to just 24.55 lakh hectares, a reduction of 17.87 lakh hectares from the same period last year.
| Period | Sowing Area (lakh hectares) |
|---|---|
| Average (5 years) | 49.72 |
| 2025 (full season) | 42.42 |
| Current (as of July 7, 2026) | 24.55 |
The delayed onset of the monsoon has been the primary driver. The Maharashtra agriculture department initially appealed to agriculturists not to sow unless there is satisfactory rainfall, according to an official. Unlike Konkan and western Maharashtra, the Marathwada region is yet to receive its average quota of rainfall this year.
Rainfall Deficit Across Districts
The average expected rainfall in Marathwada from June onwards is 176 mm. The current deficit stands at 13 per cent, with actual rainfall at 153.7 mm. However, district-level data shows significant variation.
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna have received rainfall above the expected figures of 100.4 mm and 112.5 mm, respectively.
- Latur and Parbhani districts have received the lowest rainfall in the region, at just 66 per cent and 66.3 per cent of their respective averages.
The eight districts of Marathwada include: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Parbhani, Nanded, Hingoli, Dharashiv, and Latur.
Implications for Agricultural Commodities
Marathwada is a key agricultural belt in Maharashtra, known for growing pulses, oilseeds, and cotton. The sharp reduction in sown area — from 42.42 lakh hectares last year to 24.55 lakh hectares currently — signals a potential supply squeeze for these crops in the upcoming harvest season. Commodity traders and procurement teams should monitor subsequent rainfall and sowing progress, as a sustained deficit could reduce output of summer-sown (kharif) crops.
The delay also raises the risk of farmers shifting to shorter-duration varieties or alternative crops, which may alter the quality and grade of produce available at delivery points. The current rainfall shortfall of 13 per cent below the expected 176 mm, combined with the agriculture department’s advisory against premature sowing, suggests that sowing activity may remain subdued until the monsoon strengthens.
For commodity analysts, the key data to watch will be weekly updates from the Maharashtra agriculture department on sowing area and rainfall. If the deficit persists, price premiums for Marathwada-origin pulses and oilseeds could emerge as supply expectations tighten. The next scheduled update on monsoon progress and sowing is expected to be closely tracked by market participants.
Note: All facts and figures are sourced from the The Hindu Business Line report published on July 7, 2026.
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