Kharif
Kharif Sowing Calendar 2026 for Gujarat: Crops, Timing & Seed Rate
A practical Kharif 2026 sowing calendar for Gujarat farmers — when to sow maize, bajra, soybean, moong and fodder with the monsoon, plus seed rate, spacing and pre-sowing seed treatment for a strong stand.
By the Varsha Seeds Agronomy Team · Updated Fri Jul 03
The Kharif season is decided in its first fortnight. Sow into good monsoon moisture with the right crop, seed rate and a simple seed treatment, and the crop is already halfway to a good harvest. This calendar sets out what to sow in Gujarat through the 2026 monsoon, and how.
When to start sowing
Do not sow on the calendar — sow on the rain. Wait until the monsoon has delivered 50–75 mm of well-distributed rain and wet the soil to root depth, so young seedlings are not stranded by a dry break. Across most of Gujarat this window opens from mid-June to mid-July, and early July is prime time for the main Kharif crops.
Kharif 2026 sowing window by crop
| Crop | Sowing window (Gujarat) | Seed rate | Spacing (row × plant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid maize | June–July | 18–25 kg/ha | 60 × 20–22 cm |
| Hybrid bajra | Late June–July | 3.5–4 kg/ha | 45 × 12–15 cm |
| Soybean | Late June–early July | 60–75 kg/ha | 45 × 5 cm |
| Greengram (moong) | June–July | 15–20 kg/ha | 30 × 10 cm |
| Green fodder (maize/bajra/SSG) | With the monsoon | Crop-dependent | Line sown |
Sowing later than the window shortens the crop's grain-filling period and exposes it to end-of-season stress, so aim to finish main-crop sowing by the end of July.
Match the crop to your field
- Assured irrigation or good rainfall: hybrid maize is the highest-return cereal — see the maize cultivation guide.
- Light soils, uncertain rain: hybrid bajra is the most drought-hardy grain — see the best hybrid bajra seeds.
- Add income + build soil: short-duration pulses like soybean and greengram/moong fix nitrogen for the next crop.
- Dairy farmers: sow green fodder with the first rains for an early cut.
For a fuller regional picture, read the best seeds for Gujarat's climate.
Prepare the seedbed and treat the seed
A fine, well-drained seedbed and treated seed prevent most early failures:
- Field: 1–2 ploughings and planking for a level, clod-free bed; ensure drainage, because Kharif crops fail faster from standing water than from short dry spells.
- Seed treatment (fungicide): protects against seed- and soil-borne diseases and damping-off.
- Pulse inoculation: treat soybean and moong seed with the correct Rhizobium culture for strong nodulation and free nitrogen.
- Line sowing: always sow in lines at the correct depth — even stands use light, water and fertiliser far better than broadcasting.
The one-line rule for Kharif
Sow on good rain, in lines, with treated seed and the right plant population — then keep the field draining freely. Choose your crop from the Varsha Seeds Kharif range and pair it with the crop-specific guide above for the season's best return.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Kharif sowing start in Gujarat?
Kharif sowing begins with the onset of the monsoon, usually mid-June to mid-July in Gujarat. The safe rule is to sow after 50–75 mm of well-distributed rain has wet the soil to root depth, so germination is not lost to a dry spell. Early July is prime sowing time for maize, bajra, soybean and moong.
Which are the best Kharif crops for Gujarat?
For most of Gujarat the dependable Kharif options are hybrid maize, hybrid bajra (pearl millet), soybean, greengram (moong) and green fodder. Maize and bajra suit both irrigated and rainfed conditions; soybean and moong add income and fix nitrogen for the following crop.
Should seed be treated before Kharif sowing?
Yes. Treat seed with a recommended fungicide against seed- and soil-borne diseases, and for pulses (soybean, moong) also inoculate with the correct Rhizobium culture to boost nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Seed treatment is one of the cheapest, highest-return steps in Kharif.
Related reading
Need help choosing the right seeds?
Talk to the Varsha Seeds team for dealer enquiries, product recommendations and region-specific farming guidance.