India: Summer Sown Rice Area Up On Year

According to the latest data released by the Indian Agriculture ministry, India's summer-sown rice and soybean planting rose during the June 1-July 25 period, while sowing of most other crops continued to lag.

Rice was planted on 17.0 million hectares as of July 25, up from 14.3 million hectares a year ago.

India's monsoon rains were below normal for the first time this season with the total volume in the June 1-July 23 period declining 2% below normal, according to data provided by the India Meteorological Department.

India's summer crop plantings mostly take place between June and September. They are driven by the monsoon and pre-monsoon rains.