New Delhi, Aug. 27 -- India's rice sowing during the ongoing monsoon season has surpassed expectations, reaching 109 per cent of the normal sown area, according to a report by ICICI Bank.

The progress has been supported by above-normal rainfall in many parts of the country, which has also accelerated overall kharif sowing.

It stated, "rice sowing has now reached 109 per cent of the normal sown area."

The report noted that kharif sowing is progressing well, showing a 3.4 per cent year-on-year increase. This has been driven largely by rice, which recorded a 7.6 per cent growth over last year.

Coarse cereals, sugarcane, and pulses have also registered positive growth. Out of the normal sowing area of 109.7 million hectares, 107.4 million...