Higher rice planting in India, the world's second biggest producer of the grain, will ease concerns about the lower output of the staple. Farmers typically start planting rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, sugarcane and peanuts, among other crops, from June 1, when monsoon rains are expected to begin drenching India. India received 10% below normal rains in June, but in some states, the rainfall deficit was as much as 60% below average. This year, the delayed arrival of monsoon rains and lower rainfall in some southern, eastern and central states held back the planting of summer crops even as the monsoon covered the entire country nearly a week in advance. Some regions in India, including breadbasket states such as Punjab and Haryana, have received torrential rains in July, triggering floods.

---

Persons: Mayank Bhardwaj, Lincoln Organizations: India Meteorological Department, El, Farmers, Thomson Locations: DELHI, India, Farmers, drenching India, Punjab, Haryana