Kharif sowing recovers after July rains

New Delhi: India's kharif planting has staged a strong recovery after improved rainfall in July helped farmers make up much of the ground lost during the driest June in 12 years, raising hopes of easing pressure on food prices if rains remain supportive.

Sowing of most major crops, including pulses, oilseeds and cotton, is progressing well, agriculture secretary Atish Chandra said. While acreage under some crops remains below last year's level, planting of others has increased.