Despite definite signs of monsoon revival over large parts of central, western and northern India, the extraordinary delay in its onset could impact overall sowing of some crops, particularly in north-western parts of the country.

Giving a brief idea of the crop-sowing scenario in the country, agriculture commissioner NB Singh said on Thursday that paddy planting might shrink in north-western regions due to a weak monsoon so far, but oilseeds crop would be normal, while cotton sowing would expand. ?Overall, we don?t think that crop output would be hit if rains are normal in the weeks ahead,? Singh said.

The government is expected to release official data on crop sowing for the week ending July 17, which should give a somewhat clearer picture on the overall impact of low and delayed showers on kharif acreage.

Though experts believe that crop planting can pick up pace even after July if rains are normal, a further delay could have an adverse impact on overall output.

Meanwhile, on sugarcane, Singh said that till July 16, the crop has been sown on around 100,000 hectares less than last year. As per data released by the agriculture ministry, till last week, sugarcane was planted on around 42.21 lakh hectares. ?Oilseed sowing is progressing well and is near normal in most areas,? Singh said, adding that so far, sowing of pulses is around 200,000 hectares down, while the area under cotton is 700,000 hectares more than the same period last year. Performance of the south-west monsoon, crucial for

India?s agriculture production, has been ?unsatisfactory? so far, compelling the meteorological department to lower its full-year forecast to ?below normal? from the earlier forecast of ?near normal?. Cumulatively, between June 1 to July 15, around 22 of the 36 meteorological sub-divisions received scanty or deficient rains, while 14 got normal showers.

Overall, the south-west monsoon is still 27% below normal for the entire season till now. However, the met office also said that scattered rainfall will be seen in north-west India during the first half of the coming week that ends on July 22, with the possibility of increased rainfall during the later half of the week.