Around 542 lakh hectare area have been covered under the cultivation of Rabi crops in various parts of the country so far. According to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture,the sowing area is 4.75 lakh hectare less than the total covered area during the same perod of last year. Wheat has been sown in over 272 lakh hectare area while pulses have been cultivated in over 132 lakh hectare area. The sowing of rabi crops is in full swing.