The area under the bajra crop across the country was at 7.1 mln ha as of 8 Sep, up 3.9% on year. The acreage is also higher than the five-year average of 6.67 mln ha for the period, according to the data. In Rajasthan, area under bajra is at 4.37 mln ha, up 16.1% on year. The state accounts for more than half of India’s bajra output. Good rainfall in the state had resulted in higher acreage. In the southwest monsoon season so far, the state has received 10% above-normal rainfall at 434.5 mm. Production of bajra in 2016-17 (Jul-Jun) is estimated at 9.80 mln tn.