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Rabi sowing is in full swing in most parts of the country and as of now, oilseeds and coarse cereals have been sown in more area than in 2003.
Figures made available to the weekly Crop Weather Watch Group show that as compared to 87.4 l.ha. under oilseeds last year, oilseeds cover 92.8 l.ha. this year. This is also more than the average area under rabi (winter) oilseeds in the last five years (85.5 l.ha.).
The rise in oilseeds coverage is due to greater coverage under rapeseed and mustard in this season. As compared to 58.6 l.ha. last year, rapeseed and mustard have been sown in 66.1 l.ha. so far this year.
Sowing of wheat has started in most of the states. The total area coverage so far is 210.7 l.ha. as compared to 220.8 l.ha. last year. Sowing of summer rice has reported from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The total area coverage is 7.7 l.ha. so far as compared to 8.2 l.ha. last year.
Maize (corn) has also been sown in more area (8.2 l.ha.) than last year (7.7 l.ha.). This has contributed to coarse cereals occupying more area (68.2 l.ha.) this year as compared to last year (67.3 l.ha.).
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