India's kharif crop area lags by 21 lakh hectares as sowing pace slows
India's kharif crop sowing area has fallen short by 21 lakh hectares compared to the same period last year, even as the overall deficit has narrowed to less than 1% of normal coverage.
Total kharif acreage has reached 92% of normal levels across all crops. However, paddy coverage continues to trail normal levels by 3%, indicating slower progress in the key monsoon crop despite improved momentum in other crops.
The slowing pace of sowing comes as farmers adjust to prevailing weather and soil moisture conditions during the ongoing kharif season.
