India’s mustard sowing lags 25% behind last year due to moisture shortages

India is significantly lagging behind last year’s sowing pace for mustard and rapeseed due to insufficient soil moisture following a weak monsoon season. According to India’s Ministry of Agriculture, as of November 6, 2026, the area planted with these crops reached 4.03 mln ha, compared with 5.40 mln ha a year earlier, representing a 25.4% decline. The slower sowing campaign poses additional risks to the upcoming oilseed harvest and domestic edible oil production.

Overall, oilseed sowing during the winter Rabi season covered 4.21 mln ha, down 23.6% from 5.51 mln ha during the same period last year. The largest shortfall was recorded in mustard and rapeseed, which account for the majority of India’s winter oilseed area. Meanwhile, groundnut and linseed plantings exceeded last year’s levels.

The main reason for the delay in fieldwork was insufficient rainfall, which reduced soil moisture reserves and irrigation water availability. Particularly challenging conditions have been observed in several major agricultural regions, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Unfavorable conditions have forced farmers to postpone sowing while waiting for improved soil moisture.

Similar challenges have emerged in other crop sectors. As of November 6, the total area planted with Rabi crops stood at 10.87 mln ha, compared with 13.13 mln ha a year earlier, representing a 17.2% decline. Wheat sowing was 12% behind last year’s pace, while pulse plantings lagged by 14.4%. However, sowing activity has been gradually accelerating, meaning final planted areas could differ significantly from current figures.

A continued delay in mustard and rapeseed sowing could negatively affect India’s oilseed production in 2027. If the harvest declines, the country may face additional demand for imported edible oils, particularly palm, soybean and sunflower oils. However, production prospects will largely depend on weather conditions in the coming weeks and farmers’ ability to catch up with the sowing schedule.

Tags: mustard, India