India's kharif arhar (pigeon pea) sowing area as of July 17 was 18% lower year-on-year, primarily due to a sharp drop in Karnataka, and gains in other states are unlikely to fully offset the deficit, according to government data and agricultural experts.
Total coverage under arhar reached 24.80 lakh hectares (lh) against 30.17 lh on the same date in 2025, the data showed. The government has targeted over 50 lh area to be covered during the season to achieve at least 4 million tonnes (mt) of production in 2026.
State-wise sowing progress
The decline was led by Karnataka, which reported a 42% fall in area planted — 6.56 lh versus 11.25 lh a year ago. Maharashtra saw a 10% drop to 9.60 lh from 10.71 lh, and Madhya Pradesh recorded a 31% fall to 1.34 lh from 1.93 lh.
On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh posted a 30% rise to 2.52 lh from 1.94 lh, Telangana a 16% increase to 1.53 lh from 1.32 lh, and Andhra Pradesh more than doubled its area to 1.08 lh from 0.49 lh.
| State | Area 2025 (lh) | Area 2026 (lh) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 11.25 | 6.56 | -42% |
| Maharashtra | 10.71 | 9.60 | -10% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1.93 | 1.34 | -31% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1.94 | 2.52 | +30% |
| Telangana | 1.32 | 1.53 | +16% |
| Andhra Pradesh | 0.49 | 1.08 | +120% |
Expert outlook and extended sowing window
Aditya Pratap of the Kanpur-based Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said the next weekly update may show significant improvement because rains have occurred in many states over the past few days. He noted that the normal sowing window of June-July may extend until August 10 this year due to delayed and deficient rain earlier.
Pratap also reported that farmers in Karnataka's Bidar and Gulbarga districts — two major arhar producing regions — had to re-sow the crop after rain stopped in June.
For varieties, there are short-duration (less than 150 days maturity) and medium-duration (150-180 days) varieties suitable for Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Farmers planting medium-duration crops can continue sowing until the first week of August, targeting a harvest around February. Those opting for short-duration arhar — to take a short rabi crop after — must complete sowing by the end of July.
Implications for production and target
Despite the gains in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, experts said the overall area may end below the government's target even if it recovers in Maharashtra and Gujarat (where erratic rainfall has affected planting). The government's target of over 50 lh area and 4 mt production appears challenging given the current deficit. Market participants will closely watch the next weekly sowing data and rainfall patterns in the key states.
For commodity traders and procurement teams, the shortfall in Karnataka — a major producer — could tighten domestic supplies of arhar in the coming months, potentially supporting prices. The extended sowing window offers some hope for recovery, but the re-sowing in Bidar and Gulbarga highlights the risk of yield losses from weather stress.
Sources:
