Rice Price 2026 : Due to lack of rain in many agricultural states of the country, farmers are suffering. After the onset of monsoon, some areas saw good rainfall, but the rains again weakened in the second half of August, affecting the sowing of the kharif crop. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture till August 28, Kharif crop cultivation across the country has decreased by 18.91 lakh hectares as compared to last year. Paddy has been hit the hardest.

Paddy cultivation is 14.36 lakh hectares less

Paddy in India Important Kharif is a crop and rice is directly to the common household kitchen. This year the area under paddy cultivation is 14.36 as compared to last year lakh hectares has been low. Paddy crops generally require adequate water. In more rain-dependent areas, the weak monsoon has forced farmers to delay planting or reduce planting area in some places. If there is not enough rain even in September, the growth and production of the crop may be affected.

14 percent less rainfall from June 1 to August 30

According to statistics, the average rainfall in the country from June 1 to August 30, 2026 has been around 14 percent less than normal. East and North-East India are facing the highest rainfall deficit. There has been a decrease of about 26.3 percent in rainfall here. The situation is also alarming in South India where rainfall has been 23.7 percent below normal. Rainfall deficit of 10.7 per cent has been recorded in north-west India and 3.6 per cent in central India.

58 percent reduction in rainfall in Meghalaya too

Meghalaya, usually known for heavy rains, has seen a major lack of rainfall this year. According to available statistics, Meghalaya has received about 58 percent less rainfall than normal. This figure is also shocking because Meghalaya is among the states that receive the highest rainfall in the country.

Most concerned in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar

Andhra Pradesh and Bihar are among the big agricultural states facing rainfall deficit. Andhra Pradesh has received 41 percent less rainfall than normal, while Bihar has a rainfall deficit of 40 percent. Punjab received 36 percent, Assam 26 percent, Rajasthan and Karnataka 23 percent each, Kerala 21 percent and Tamil Nadu about 20 percent less. Apart from planting in these states, getting enough water for the initial growth of the crop has become a big challenge for the farmers.

Can rice prices rise?

As paddy cultivation has declined, questions have naturally arisen about the price of rice. However, it cannot be said that the reduction in cultivated area alone will make rice expensive immediately. How the rainfall is next September, the yield per hectare, the condition of crops in irrigated areas and the available rice stocks with the government—all these factors will be important in determining the direction of prices. If the lack of rain continues for a long time and has a significant impact on paddy production, pressure on rice prices may increase in the coming months.