Kharif sowing lags last year's coverage despite monsoon revival

Farmers in India grow many crops in the summer, and this planting season is called kharif sowing.

This year the rains were late, so by the start of August farmers had planted on less land than they did last year.

As of 7 August, crops were planted across 96.8 million hectares, a little less than the 98.6 million hectares planted at the same time last year.

Rice, pulses, cotton, and sugarcane were all planted on less land, but oilseeds were planted on more land.

In June, rainfall was far below normal, which worried farmers.

Then in July the monsoon got stronger, and India received a little more rain than usual.

The extra rain helped farmers plant more quickly, so the gap compared with last year has become smaller.

However, the weather office says August and September may still have less rain than normal.

Farmers hope the rains continue so the crops can grow well and there will be enough food.