The total area sown in Kharif season till today, is around 351 lakh hectare which is more than 82 lakh hectare less as compared to corresponding period in the previous year. According to an official data released by the Agricultural Ministry in 2011-12, the area sown was more than 433 lakh hectare.

The area under rice is more than 96 lakh hectare against 120 lakh hectare during the corresponding period of last year. Compared to last year, less area is reported in almost all the states due to delayed monsoon. However, Nursery preparation is in progress in almost all the states where rainfall has been received. The total coverage under pulses so far is around 21 lakh hectare against more than 32 lakh hectare last year.

Less area is reported in 12 states including Bihar, Gujarat and Haryana. Higher area is reported in five states which include Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra. In Cotton, higher area is reported in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh.