New Delhi: Kharif crop sowing across the country has declined by 21 per cent this season due to below-normal rainfall and the delayed advancement of the southwest monsoon, according to data released by the Agriculture Ministry on Monday.
The total area under kharif cultivation stood at 350.85 lakh hectares as of July 6, compared to 442.8 lakh hectares during the same period last year.
Paddy cultivation has fallen by 13 per cent, with sowing covering 60.24 lakh hectares, down from 69.3 lakh hectares a year ago.
Pulses have also recorded a significant decline, with the sown area reducing to 37.15 lakh hectares from 47.49 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year.
The ministry attributed the lower acreage to insufficient rainfall and the delayed progress of the southwest monsoon, which has slowed sowing activities in several regions.
