Optimal sowing calendar across Indian zones
- Northern zone (Punjab, Haryana, Western UP): Sowing of irrigated paddy nurseries and cotton begins in May to mid-June using canal and tube-well water.
- Central and Western zone (Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP): Sowing of soybean, cotton, groundnut, and pulses starts with regular monsoon onset in mid-June to early July.
- Eastern and Southern zone (Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, AP): Direct seeding and transplanting of kharif paddy span June through July matching monsoon progression.
Agronomic conditions required for kharif sowing
- Soil moisture: A minimum of 75 to 100 mm of cumulative monsoon rainfall is recommended before dryland sowing to prevent seed desiccation.
- Soil temperature: Warm topsoil temperatures (25°C to 30°C) ensure rapid seed germination and uniform seedling emergence.
- Seedbed preparation: Deep summer ploughing followed by two passes of cultivator or rotavator to destroy weed rhizomes and aerate soil.
Seed treatment and early crop care
- Treat certified seeds with biofertilizers (Rhizobium, PSB) or registered chemical seed dressers to prevent seedling rot and damping-off.
- Maintain recommended plant spacing using seed-cum-fertilizer drills to avoid overcrowded plant canopies.
- Consult regional Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) agro-meteorological advisories for real-time monsoon sowing alerts.
Official source
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Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
In which months are kharif crops sown in India?
Kharif crops are primarily sown in June and July with the arrival of monsoon rains.
Why is rainfall timing critical for kharif sowing?
Adequate rainfall ensures sufficient topsoil moisture for seed germination and protects young roots from heat drying.
When is cotton sown in northern irrigated states?
Cotton is sown earlier, in April and May, under canal irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
What should farmers do before sowing kharif seeds?
Test soil fertility, buy certified seeds, and complete fungicide or bio-agent seed treatment.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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