<h1>Kharif sowing prospects improved as favourable monsoon and above-normal rainfall support crop area and rural demand.</h1> Kharif sowing is projected to exceed last year's levels due to favourable monsoon and above-normal rainfall, with sowing complete on a large share of normal area for moong, rice and maize. Continued above-normal rainfall is expected to sustain sowing and replenish reservoirs, supporting rabi planting. ICRA links these conditions to improved agricultural output and estimates first-quarter GVA growth in agriculture, forestry and fishing at around mid-single digits while rising real rural wages are expected to boost rural consumption demand.