As the monsoon revives in India, Indian Agriculture ministry data indicates that rice sowing has received a major boost across the country in June.
The monsoon’s expansion has allowed farmers in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to sow rice and other crops, reported Indian media.
Farmers planted about 32.8 million hectares (81 million acres) of rice from July till 11 August, up 5.1% from the same period last year.
Farmers depend on monsoon rains for crops, especially rice, as it is water-driven and requires enormous amounts of water.
Before June 23, Indian farmers had planted 1.07 million hectares of rice crop, which is 34.57% less than what had been sown in the corresponding period a year ago, according to official data.
India's monsoon had fallen 10% below normal in June before rebounding to 13% above average in July.
The delay in the onset of monsoon rains had held back farmers from sowing summer crops.
Meanwhile, in July, New Delhi banned the export of non-Basmati rice as rice prices continue to soar in international and domestic markets.