The widening monsoon deficit has significant implications for agriculture, particularly kharif crop sowing. Reduced rainfall has led to a decline in the total area under summer-sown crops, which is 2% lower than last year. Paddy and maize crops have been particularly affected, with maize acreage down by over 4%, potentially impacting ethanol production and food supply chains. States like Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, which have experienced rainfall shortfalls exceeding 40%, are at heightened risk of agricultural distress. Peninsular India, with a 23% rainfall deficit, continues to face challenges in water availability and crop yield.