Aggregate kharif acreage nationwide registered at 1,086.31 lakh hectares as of September 4, reflecting a decrease of 1.60 per cent from 1,104.00 lakh hectares planted during the corresponding period of 2025-26, and slightly below the benchmark area of 1,104.44 lakh hectares, according to data from the Crop Weather Watch Group (CWWG). Rice experienced the most significant contraction among primary crops, with the planted area declining 3.74 per cent to 421.82 lakh hectares from 438.19 lakh hectares in the prior year. Area dedicated to oilseeds decreased 0.56 per cent to 191.99 lakh hectares, while cotton acreage was down 0.63 per cent at 109.17 lakh hectares. Coarse cereal acreage moderated 0.60 per cent to 181.39 lakh hectares. Total pulses sowing increased 1.60 per cent to 117.13 lakh hectares, largely attributable to a substantial 11.95 per cent expansion in urad acreage.