India, Aug. 4 -- The sowing of the monsoon crop (kharif) across India remained below last year's level despite an improvement in July rainfall, with farmers planting crops in 105.2 million hectares as of Friday, 3.6% lower than a year ago, as the delayed onset of the southwest monsoon and uneven rainfall distribution continued to weigh on planting decisions. According to experts, this is likely to impact total food output this season.

The latest agriculture ministry data show the gap has narrowed only marginally from about 5% a week ago, suggesting that while sowing has picked up after the monsoon revived in July, the recovery has been insufficient to offset the damage caused by a rain-deficient June.

The sowing shortfall comes at a tim...