Kharif sowing dips 3% to 894 lakh ha despite 81% coverage of normal area

Kharif crop sowing has declined by three percent this season. Paddy and pulses acreage saw a notable decrease across several states. Coarse cereals area also fell, while oilseeds area rose marginally. Sugarcane area edged up, but cotton acreage experienced a decline. Reservoir storage levels are below last year's figures in many regions.