Sowing of kharif crops had shown a steady increase during this week. Kharif sowing crossed 98.66 million hectare as compared to 102.07 million hectare at this time last year, the government said on Friday.
Rice has been sowed on area of 36.06 million hectare, while pulses was sown on 9.72 million hectare, coarse cereals was sown on 17.47 million hectare. Oilseeds have been sowed on area of 17.34 million hectare. Sugarcane was sown on area of 4.87 million hectare.
Meanwhile, cotton and jute and mesta were sown on 12.37 million hectare and 0.81 million hectare respectively.