<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false">Kharif sowing has seen a boost as monsoon progresses, with the overall sowing area 11% higher than last year.Sowing areas for rice, pulses, coarse cereals, oilseeds, and cotton have surpassed last year's figures despite varying monsoon patterns.July's monsoon performance is crucial as about 80% of sowing is completed by then; El Nino neutral conditions are anticipated to prevail.Food inflation is expected to ease in June, with vegetable prices declining on a yearly basis, offsetting some rise in edible oils and fruits prices.