Area under the bajra crop across the country was at 7.1 mln ha as of Thursday, up 1.6% on year. The acreage was also higher than the five-year average of 6.67 mln ha for the period. In Rajasthan, area under bajra is at 4.37 mln ha, up 11% on year. The state accounts for more than half of India’s total bajra output. Good rainfall in the state resulted in higher acreage. In the southwest monsoon season so far, the state has received 11% above-normal rainfall at 442.3 mm. Output of bajra in 2016-17 (Jul-Jun) was estimated at 9.80 mln tn.