Farmers have planted crops over 7.28 mln ha in the 2017-18 kharif season so far, up over 9% on year. Farmers have planted pulses over 0.139 million ha, up sharply from 92,000 ha in LY. Acreage under oilseeds is at around 79,000 ha, up 43.6% on year. Rains are crucial for kharif crops as most of them are grown in areas where irrigation facilities are lacking.