India Summer Sown Rice Planted Area Up On Year

According to the latest data released by the Indian government, India's summer-sown rice area during the June 1-Sept.19 period was 37.4 million hectares, up 3.3% from 36.2 million hectares.

The government is expecting rice output this year to be higher than the 96.43 million MT produced last year because of the increased area.

India's summer crop is sown from June and harvested during October, and is mostly dependent on monsoon rains for growth. Sowing of the summer crop is now largely over. However, rains are needed at regular intervals in September to nurture the maturing crop.