As overall monsoon rainfall was normal (100% of LPA) as on Friday compared with 91% of LPA until July-end, the decline in sowing areas of all kharif crops has considerably narrowed down. The acreage of oilseeds and coarse cereals is at same level as year-ago while paddy area is still 5% lower from last year. August itself receiving 16% higher than LPA rainfall so far may help crops to sustain.