Rice sown in 7.6 lakh hectare so far

With the onset of monsoon, sowing of kharif (summer) crops has commenced in most parts of the country and farmers have sown rice in 7.59 lakh hectare so far this month, according to the Agriculture Ministry.
Sowing of kharif crops begins with the onset of southwest monsoon in June, while the harvesting starts from October.
"Preliminary reports of sowing of kharif crops have been received from States. Kharif sowing area has crossed 95 lakh hectare," Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.
As of today, rice - the main kharif crop - has been sown/ transplanted in 7.59 lakh hectare, pulses in 2.60 lakh hectare, oilseeds in 1.23 lakh hectare and coarse cereals in 12.29 lakh hectare.

The planting of commercial crops, sugarcane and cotton, is in progress. Sugarcane has been planted in 43.92 lakh hectare, while cotton in 20 lakh hectare.
The ministry, however, did not give the comparable figures on sowing.
Amid chances of subnormal monsoon this year, as projected by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the ministry has advised state governments to be ready with contingency plans to minimise impact of erratic rains.
It is also working on certain relief measures such as providing subsidy to buy seeds for resowing and on diesel for irrigation to protect the standing crops.