Overall kharif sowing improves even as paddy and arhar remain muted

Experts say a fall in paddy output could hugely impact cereal prices going forward as wheat stocks in central pool aren't enough to quell any surge in prices

A month and half into the 2022 southwest monsoon season, the total acreage of kharif crops went past last year's level for the first time in this season on July 15. However, paddy and arhar continued to lag among major crops.

Data showed that acreage under paddy, the biggest food grain grown during the season, was almost 17 per cent lower than the same period last year, while the area under arhar, which is among the main pulses grown during the kharif season, was almost 18 per cent lower.

Experts said that paddy acreage is lower than last year