Sowing of kharif crops showed a steady increase during this week. The total sown area as on Aug. 22, as per reports received from states, stands at 93.50 million hectare as compared to 97.58 million hectare at this time last year.

Rice has been sowed on area of 33.51 million hectare, while pulses was sown on 9.26 million hectare, coarse cereals was sown on 16.48 million hectare.

Oilseeds has been sowed on area of 16.82 million hectare.

Sugarcane was sown on area of 4.71 million hectare.

Meanwhile, cotton and jute and mesta were sown on 11.88 million hectare and 0.81 million hectare respectively.