Kharif sowing has picked up in different parts of the country in the last one week. According to a release from Ministry of Agriculture, paddy has been sown in 124.78 lakh hectare as compared to 122.40 lakh hectare on this date last year, showing an increase of 2.38 lakh hectare over the same period.<br/><br/>Coarse cereals have been sown in 107.23 lakh hectare, about 12 lakh hectare more as compared to last year. After a slow start, pulses sowing has also catched up. <br/><br/>Pulse have been sown in 45.06 lakh hectare so far which is 6.83 lakh hectare more than this time from last season.