Area under paddy sowing in Assam as of today is at 4.2 mln ha, down from 6.2 mln ha the year ago. Acreage down as most lands under paddy are submerged under water due to floods in the state. The normal acreage of paddy, based on the last three years’ average, is at 1.9 mln ha. Floods have also badly hit tea production in Assam. Heavy rains in the state have claimed nearly 34 lives as of Tuesday, and are likely to continue till 13 July.