Crops to Cultivate This Monsoon: As the monsoon approaches, farmers across India prepare for the kharif season. Rain-fed agriculture is key to rural livelihoods, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. Choosing the right crops can make or break the season.
Here are six crops best suited for the monsoon. These crops grow well in heavy rain, need less irrigation, and offer good market demand.
1. Paddy (Rice)
Paddy is the most widely grown monsoon crop in India. It thrives in standing water, making it ideal for regions with consistent rainfall.
Best areas: Eastern India, coastal regions, and river basins
Soil: Clayey or loamy soil with good water retention
Varieties: Short-duration and flood-resistant types like Swarna Sub1 or IR64
Water needs: High, but supported by rain
Challenges: Waterlogging, pests, and diseases
Paddy provides both food security and a steady income. Government support through MSP (Minimum Support Price) helps ensure market access.
2. Maize (Corn)
Maize is gaining popularity among farmers due to its lower water needs and fast growth.
Best areas: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar
Soil: Well-drained loamy soil
Varieties: Hybrid types like HQPM-1 or DHM117
Water needs: Moderate
Challenges: Stem borers, leaf blight
Corn can be used for food, fodder, and industrial purposes. The growing demand from poultry feed industries adds to its value.
3. Soybean
Soybean is a major oilseed crop grown during the monsoon. It grows fast and fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility.
Best areas: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
Soil: Well-drained black soil
Varieties: JS 335, NRC 86
Water needs: Low to moderate
Challenges: Pests like whitefly and leaf-eating caterpillars
India exports soybean meal to many countries. With proper pest control, it offers a good return in just 90 to 100 days.
4. Tur (Arhar or Pigeon Pea)
Tur is a popular pulse crop in India. It is drought-tolerant and needs less water than cereals.
Best areas: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
Soil: Red, black, or loamy soils with good drainage
Varieties: ICPL 87119, BDN 708
Water needs: Low
Challenges: Slow early growth, pod borers
Tur improves soil health and supports food diversity. Prices remain strong due to steady demand and low imports.
5. Groundnut (Peanut)
Groundnut is a rain-fed crop grown for oil, snacks, and export.
Best areas: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Soil: Sandy loam or well-drained black soil
Varieties: JL 24, TAG 24
Water needs: Moderate
Challenges: Leaf spot, collar rot
With rising demand for edible oils, groundnut cultivation has good profit potential. Farmers need to manage moisture carefully during flowering.
6. Cotton
Cotton is a high-value crop grown mainly in the Deccan and central India.
Best areas: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana
Soil: Deep black cotton soil
Varieties: Bt cotton hybrids, or non-Bt varieties in organic zones
Water needs: Moderate, but rain-fed areas do well
Challenges: Bollworms, sucking pests
It requires close attention but offers high returns. Market prices fluctuate, but MSP support and export demand help.
Tips for Monsoon Cropping
Soil testing: Know your soil’s pH and nutrient levels before sowing.
Seed selection: Use certified, disease-resistant seeds.
Timing: Sow right after the first good rainfall to avoid dry spells.
Pest control: Watch for pests, especially in high humidity.
Insurance: Enroll in schemes like PMFBY for crop protection.
Choosing the right crop for the monsoon depends on your region, soil type, and water availability. These six crops offer good yield and income if managed well. Stay alert to changing weather patterns and market prices.
The rains bring new chances—and new risks. Are you planting for profit or just survival this monsoon?
Stay rain-ready. Choose wisely.
Contact details: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to [email protected] or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.