Crop Planning
Seed Rate & Yield Per Acre: Wheat, Chana, Bajra, Mustard & Pulses
Seed rate and expected yield per acre for major Indian crops — wheat, chickpea (chana), bajra, mustard, blackgram (urad), greengram (moong), maize and soybean — with per-hectare figures and the right seed for each.
By the Varsha Seeds Agronomy Team · Updated Thu Jun 04
"How much seed do I need, and what yield should I expect?" — two of the most-asked questions before sowing. The honest answer is it depends on variety, soil, season and management. But there are well-established ranges. Use this as a planning reference, then fine-tune to your own field and a soil test.
Note: Figures below are indicative ranges for good management in Indian conditions. Always follow the seed rate printed on your seed pack and adjust for your sowing method and region. 1 acre ≈ 0.4 hectare.
Quick reference table
| Crop | Seed rate / acre | Seed rate / ha | Expected yield / acre | Yield / ha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 40 kg | 100 kg | 16–22 q | 40–55 q |
| Chickpea — desi (chana) | 25–30 kg | 60–75 kg | 8–10 q | 20–25 q |
| Chickpea — kabuli | 35–40 kg | 90–100 kg | 8–10 q | 20–25 q |
| Bajra (hybrid) | 1.5–2 kg | 3.5–4.5 kg | 12–16 q | 30–40 q |
| Mustard | 1.5–2 kg | 4–5 kg | 6–8 q | 15–20 q |
| Blackgram (urad) | 6–8 kg | 15–20 kg | 4–5 q | 10–12 q |
| Greengram (moong) | 6–8 kg | 15–20 kg | 4–5 q | 10–12 q |
| Maize (hybrid) | 8–10 kg | 18–25 kg | 25–35 q | 60–90 q |
| Soybean | 28–32 kg | 70–80 kg | 8–12 q | 20–30 q |
(q = quintal = 100 kg)
Chickpea (chana) yield & seed rate per acre
Chickpea is a low-water rabi crop that fixes its own nitrogen, so it's economical to grow.
- Seed rate: desi gram 25–30 kg/acre; bold kabuli 35–40 kg/acre (kabuli seed is larger, so you need more weight for the same plant stand).
- Expected yield: 8–10 quintals/acre under good management.
- Seed to use: bold kabuli Royal Kabuli or hardy desi gram Nirav.
More detail in the chickpea farming guide and best chickpea seeds.
Blackgram (urad) & greengram (moong) yield per acre
These short-duration pulses are ideal for catch-cropping and improving soil.
- Seed rate: 6–8 kg/acre for both.
- Expected yield: 4–5 quintals/acre with good rainfall/irrigation and pod-borer control.
- Seed to use: blackgram Varsha-11 (Tau-1 / Nirmal type) and greengram Ananta (Nirmal).
See the pulses farming guide for full agronomy.
Bajra (pearl millet) seed rate per hectare & yield
Bajra's small seed means a very low seed rate goes a long way.
- Seed rate: 3.5–4.5 kg/ha (about 1.5–2 kg/acre) for line sowing; a little more for broadcasting.
- Expected yield: hybrid grain 12–16 q/acre (30–40 q/ha), plus valuable fodder.
- Seed to use: hybrid Mansi.
Full method in the bajra cultivation guide.
Mustard (sarson) yield per acre
A hardy, low-water rabi oilseed.
- Seed rate: 1.5–2 kg/acre (4–5 kg/ha) — tiny seed, sow shallow.
- Expected yield: 6–8 quintals/acre (15–20 q/ha).
- Seed to use: Mishva mustard.
See the mustard farming guide.
Wheat yield per acre
- Seed rate: about 40 kg/acre (100 kg/ha) for timely sowing; a little higher for late sowing.
- Expected yield: 16–22 quintals/acre (40–55 q/ha) with irrigation and balanced nutrition.
- Push it higher with how to increase wheat yield and the wheat sowing & seed rate guide.
What actually moves your yield
Seed rate sets your plant stand; management sets your yield. The same variety can swing widely based on:
- Sowing on time — late sowing cuts yield in almost every crop.
- Right plant population — too thin wastes land, too thick invites disease and lodging.
- Water at critical stages — flowering and grain/pod fill are make-or-break.
- Balanced nutrition to a soil test — not guesswork.
- Timely weed, pest and disease control.
Quality, certified seed for every crop above is available from Varsha Seeds in Modasa, Gujarat. Match the seed to your soil and season, get the basics right, and the yield follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seed rate of chickpea (chana) per acre?+
Desi gram needs about 25–30 kg of seed per acre (60–75 kg/ha) and bold kabuli types about 35–40 kg per acre (90–100 kg/ha). Bolder seed needs a higher rate to reach the same plant population.
What is the average chana (chickpea) yield per acre?+
A well-managed chickpea crop yields roughly 8–10 quintals per acre (about 20–25 q/ha). Yield depends on variety, soil moisture, sowing time and disease control.
What is the seed rate for bajra per hectare?+
Hybrid bajra needs only about 3.5–4.5 kg/ha for line sowing (around 1.5–2 kg/acre). The seed is small, so this low rate still gives a full stand when sown into moist soil.
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Need help choosing the right seeds?
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