New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- 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 July 31, 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. This is likely to impact total food output this season, experts said. 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 shortfall comes after the IMD warned a likelihood of below-normal rainfall during August and September, with El Nino conditions expected to strengthen....