Agartala, Jul 30, 2022, By Special Correspondent

Agartala, Jul 30: Tripura and Assam are among the states that have reported lower coverage under paddy, but the shortfall in sowing is likely to be covered in the current kharif season.

Paddy is the main kharif (summer) crop and more than 80 per cent of the country's total rice production happens during this season. Besides, India is the world's second largest producer and top exporter of rice.

Sowing of kharif crops, including paddy, begins with the onset of southwest monsoon in June, but this year there was deficit rainfall in east and north-east India.

As per latest figures provided by the agriculture ministry, area under paddy sowing was down by 35.46 lakh hectare at 231.59 lakh hectare till June 29 during the ongoing kharif season against 267.05 lakh hectare in the year-ago period.

Lower coverage under paddy has been reported in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Odisha andChhattisgarh.

The country received 10 per cent higher monsoon rains between June 1 and July 27 but 15 per cent deficit was reported in east and north-east India during the same period.

Rains were deficient in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Mizoram and Manipur, as per IMD data.

But, there is a possibility of covering the shortfall in paddy sowing in the ongoing kharif season, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar strongly believes.