New Delhi, Aug. 10 -- Kharif sowing has gathered momentum following the intensification of monsoon rains across large parts of the country, though acreage remains below last year's levels.

Farmers planted crops across 96.8 million hectares as of 7 August, 1.8 million hectares less than the 98.6 million hectares covered during the corresponding period a year ago, according to data from the agriculture ministry. The normal acreage, defined as the average for 2020-21 to 2024-25, stands at 110.4 million hectares.

Acreage under key kharif crops, including rice, pulses, coarse cereals, sugarcane, and cotton, remains below last year's levels, although the overall sowing gap has narrowed in recent weeks as monsoon rainfall improved across sever...