Rapeseed sowing in India at its lowest level in 10 years

Rapeseed sowing in India during the 2026/27 season is progressing at its slowest pace in a decade due to insufficient soil moisture and irrigation water shortages. As of November 6, only 4 mln ha had been planted, down 25% from the same period last year. Unfavorable weather conditions are significantly limiting farmers’ ability to complete sowing within the optimal planting window.

According to Oil World analysts, making up for the current delay is virtually impossible, as little time remains before the end of the optimal sowing period. This could lead to a significant reduction in total rapeseed planted area this season and negatively affect oilseed production in 2027.

Declining domestic rapeseed stocks pose an additional challenge. After several years of strong growth, rapeseed crushing in India began to decline in June 2026 due to shortages of raw materials from the previous harvest. Lower crushing volumes are already creating conditions for a decline in domestic rapeseed oil production.

The smaller rapeseed crop expected to be harvested in early 2027 is likely to further limit rapeseed oil supplies in the Indian market. As a result, India may increase edible oil imports in the MY 2026/27 to compensate for lower domestic production. This could strengthen India’s demand in the global edible oil market.

Meanwhile, insufficient rainfall is affecting not only rapeseed but also other winter crops. Low soil moisture levels have slowed wheat and pulse sowing across India. Future crop prospects will depend on weather conditions in the coming weeks and the availability of irrigation water, particularly in the country’s main agricultural regions.

Tags: India, rapeseed