Sowing of kharif paddy was hit as monsoon current stalled for more than a week, leading to a 1.3% on-year fall in acreage. The crop was planted across 1.10 mln ha compared with 1.12 mln a year ago. The monsoon current has resumed progress and hit Bihar. With a pick up in circulation of monsoon current, paddy sowing is also expected to gather pace.