The Centre has flagged drought-like conditions in five states after a deficient monsoon. With the rabi sowing season approaching, here is what we know so far.

**Where is it worst?** Karnataka, Maharashtra, parts of Andhra Pradesh including Rayalaseema, Telangana and Rajasthan. The country got 12.3 percent less rain than normal this monsoon, and about 6.11 lakh hectares of cropped area has been affected.

**How bad is the crop damage?** Paddy acreage is down by 16.32 lakh hectares from last year — a significant hit to kharif output. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan disclosed the figures at the national rabi conference for 2026-27 on September 30.

**What is the government doing?** A central team visits Karnataka on October 3, and another will be sent to Maharashtra. Once the teams report, states can claim assistance under National Disaster Response Fund norms. Contingency plans — short-duration crop varieties, extra seed supply — are being readied in case rabi moisture is also poor.

**What does it mean for food prices?** A weak kharif can tighten rice supplies and push up prices, while poor soil moisture going into rabi threatens wheat and pulses too. Coming sowing data will show how deep the impact runs.