Heavy rains end dry monsoon spell in Uttar Pradesh, boost Kharif sowing

At present, 37 of the state's 75 districts are still categorised as rain-deficient

Heavy rains in Uttar Pradesh over the past five days have ended a largely dry monsoon spell and cheered farmers.

Kharif sowing, including paddy and pulses, was reported to be 17 per cent less last week compared to a year before, with a rain deficit in two-thirds of the state. The wet spell has reduced this gap, said officials.  

UP's total sowing last year was 16.6 million hectares, of which Kharif crops accounted for 9.4 million hectares, including six million hectares of paddy. 
 

According to the agriculture department, the state now has about 7.5 million hectares of aggregate Kharif