Indian farmers cover 96% of the normal Kharif area as planting window closes

Indian farmers covered 96% of the normal Kharif area as of August 21. The Agriculture Ministry said the total sowing reached 1,056.7 lakh hectares. While paddy planting fell by 3.2%, pulses showed growth. Farmers got busy during the final week, which helped narrow the overall deficit from the year-ago level.