Progress seen in sowing of Kharif crops, rice sown in 18.7 lakh ha: Agriculture Ministry

Rice has been sown in 18.7 lakh hectare so far, as per the preliminary data received from the Ministry of Agriculture. Besides, sugarcane has been planted in 51.52 lakh hectare, which is 1.38 lakh hectare more as compared to plantation done in 2011-12.

Similarly, cotton has been planted in 21 lakh hectare, coarse cereals and oilseeds have been planted in 5.59 lakh hectare and 3.13 lakh hectare respectively.

For the present season many states have reported progress in sowing of Kharif crops, which points that planting has been slightly delayed. However, the nursery preparation under irrigated conditions is in progress. In case of other crops, sowing has been reported so far as compared to this time last year.