Raipur, Aug 19 - Chhattisgarh has completed paddy sowing in about 92 percent of the targeted area for this kharif season despite the drought-like situation in many parts of the state, Agriculture Minister Chandrasekhar Sahu said Wednesday.

'Despite erratic monsoon, Chhattisgarh has still strong hope to achieve the targeted production of 6.55 million tonnes of paddy this season. Sowing has been completed in 3.2 million hectares so far out of the planned 3.5 million hectares,' Sahu told IANS.

The state, where about 80 percent of the total 20 million population are dependent on agriculture, had produced 5.7 million tonnes paddy in 2008.

But this year's poor monsoon has made it difficult for the state to meet the higher target.

According to officials drought-like situation is prevailing in at least 18 districts in the state.

Some 70 percent of Chhattisgarh's farming area is totally dependent on rain-fed agriculture.