The government today said that Kharif crops have been sown in more than 979 lakh hectares. The Agriculture Ministry said in a statement that 331.78 lakh hectares of area coverage under paddy have been reported, compared to 318.16 lakh hectares during the corresponding period of last year. Over 117 lakh hectares of area coverage under pulses have been reported, compared to 110.08 lakh hectares in the corresponding period of last year. Around 173 lakh hectares of area coverage under coarse cereals have been reported, compared to 171.36 lakh hectares during the corresponding period of last year.