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Sowing of kharif (summer) crops has commenced in most parts of the country and farmers have sown rice in 2.38 lakh hectare so far, according to the Agriculture Ministry.
Sowing of kharif crops begins with the onset of southwest monsoon in June, while the harvesting starts from October.
The government said in an official statement that the preliminary reports on sowing of kharif crops have been received from states.
As on Friday, it is reported that rice - the main kharif crop - has been sown/transplanted in 2.38 lakh hectare; pulses in 2.42 lakh hectare and oilseeds in 0.78 lakh hectare.
The planting of commercial crops sugarcane and cotton is in progress. Sugarcane has been planted in 43.52 lakh hectare, while cotton is in 17.34 lakh hectare so far, the statement said. The ministry, however, did not give the comparable figures on sowing.
Amid chances of subnormal monsoon this year, as predicted 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 re-sowing and diesel for irrigation to protect the standing crops
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