India, Aug. 21 -- Sunflower cultivation has increased sharply in Maharashtra this kharif season, with some farmers shifting from pulses such as moong and urad amid inadequate rainfall during the crucial sowing period in June.

Kharif sowing in the state is nearing completion. Barring paddy transplantation, which is expected to be completed by the end of this week, sowing of other crops is over.

According to the latest state agriculture department data, sunflower has been sown on 83% of its targeted 1.16 lakh hectares, compared with 37% during the corresponding period last year.

In contrast, sowing of moong and urad has reached only 48% of their respective targets of 3.02 lakh hectares and 3.59 lakh hectares. Last kharif season, urad sow...