Kharif acreage falls 16%, but ethanol effect boosts sugarcane

Overall kharif crop acreage has fallen sixteen percent as of last Friday. Sugarcane acreage, however, has increased despite water resource pressures. Pulses and cereals show the highest decline in sown area this season. Farmers continue to favor cash crops for better market prices. This trend supports government ethanol initiatives and reduces import bills.

By VISHWA MOHAN