Erratic monsoon pushes farmers towards low-water crops, vegetables

Erratic rainfall is reshaping India's kharif sowing patterns this season. Farmers are shifting acreage from staples to hardy crops and vegetables. Sunflower acreage has jumped significantly, and other crops like sesamum have also risen. Seed companies report increased demand for short-duration vegetables and onion seeds. Sweet corn has also emerged as another preferred crop for farmers.