India's weak monsoon hits crop sowing, raising inflation fears

AgricultureUneven rainfall weighs on planting in dry states like KarnatakaFarm workers replant paddy saplings in a field after monsoon rains on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, on July 10. © APSOUMYAJIT SAHAJuly 15, 2026 15:38 JSTMUMBAI -- Below average and uneven rainfall during India's monsoon sowing season is keeping fears of increased food inflation alive, with planting of key crops down by as much as 39% compared with last year.