Southwest monsoon-2026: Sowing stalled in Madhya Pradesh due to sluggish pace of monsoon; what IMD has told? when will rain start in state?
The sluggish pace of the southwest monsoon-2026 in Madhya Pradesh has heightened farmers' concerns. The lack of timely rainfall is disrupting preparations for the Kharif season, and sowing operations have yet to commence in many areas. Farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture, in particular, are facing a major crisis. While farmers have prepared their fields and are awaiting the monsoon amidst a lack of adequate soil moisture, agricultural experts are advising against hasty sowing.
Rainfall in the state is about 37 percent below normal
Due to the slow progress of the Southwest monsoon in Madhya Pradesh, rainfall recorded during the first 17 days of June has been significantly lower than normal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state should have received an average of 41.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 17; however, only about 26 mm has been recorded so far. Consequently, the state has received approximately 37 percent less rainfall than normal.
Pre-monsoon rainfall relatively better in Neemuch district
However, compared to other districts in the state, Neemuch has seen relatively better pre-monsoon rainfall this year. While the district recorded an average of 1.9 inches of rainfall during this period last year, 2.6 inches has been recorded so far this year. Despite this, agricultural experts believe the rainfall is insufficient for sowing. At least 4 inches of rain is considered necessary to establish sustained soil moisture in the fields. This is why most farmers in the district have not yet been able to start sowing.
Situation is worst in Alirajpur
The situation is worst in Alirajpur district, where not a single drop of rain has been recorded to date. Additionally, rainfall of less than half an inch has been recorded in several districts, including Balaghat, Damoh, Katni, Maihar, Rewa, Shahdol, Tikamgarh, Barwani, Bhind, Datia, Dhar, and Khargone.
Farmers Awaiting Sowing Conditions
Farmers are bearing the brunt of the delayed monsoon. Lakhs of farmers across the state are waiting for adequate rainfall to begin sowing Kharif crops. According to agricultural scientists, hasty sowing could prove detrimental to farmers. If seeds are sown without sufficient soil moisture and subsequent rainfall fails to occur, germination will be compromised, potentially forcing farmers to re-sow their crops and thereby increasing costs.
Monsoon Arrival Likely Between June 22 and 24
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the progress of the Southwest Monsoon is currently sluggish. While the monsoon typically reaches Madhya Pradesh by June 15, it is now expected to enter the state between June 22 and 24. The monsoon is currently active over Maharashtra and the western coastal regions, and its northward progression is underway.
Advice from Agricultural Experts
Experts advise farmers against hasty sowing and recommend waiting for adequate rainfall. Sowing is considered safe only after the fields have received at least 100 mm—approximately 4 inches—of rain. Given the weather's unpredictability, farmers are advised to stay updated on advisories from the Agriculture Department and weather forecasts. The monsoon's slow pace has currently heightened anxiety among the state's farmers.