Area sown to kharif crops remains 16% on weak monsoon; paddy, pulses acreage down: Agriculture Ministry

Kharif crop sowing is 16 percent lower this season. This delay is attributed to a weak monsoon and El Nino effects. Area under pulses and coarse cereals has significantly declined. Oilseeds and cotton coverage also shows a notable decrease. Sugarcane and jute acreage, however, have seen slight increases.