India, July 14 -- Below-normal rainfall has been recorded in 397 of India's 741 districts so far this monsoon, raising concern for paddy-growing areas along the Ganga.

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand have reported large rainfall deficits across several districts, affecting rice transplanting and other kharif sowing.

Total kharif sowing stood at 531.25 lakh hectares as of July 10, around 16% lower than the same period last year.

Oilseeds, coarse grains, pulses, cotton and rice have all recorded lower sowing than last year, reflecting the impact of a weak and uneven monsoon.

More than half of India's districts have received below-normal rainfall so far this monsoon, raising concerns for rice-growing areas along the Ganga and for khar...