Rabi Season Begins: Fields Come Alive in Jalna as Farmers Prepare for Sowing

Jalna, Maharashtra:
After continuous rainfall since September, farmers in Jalna district are finally getting a break to resume agricultural activities. With the rains taking a pause, farmlands are once again buzzing with activity as farmers prepare for the upcoming Rabi season. Currently, only 12% of the total planned sowing has been completed in the district.

According to the district agriculture department, Jalna’s total target area for Rabi crops is 2,11,820 hectares, of which 26,239 hectares (12.38%) have been sown so far. Ghansawangi taluka leads the district with the highest sowing at 5,268 hectares, while Partur taluka has recorded the least progress. Farmers are now busy clearing crop residues, ploughing, and preparing the soil for fresh sowing. Harvesting of soybean, moong, urad, and tur from the Kharif season is also underway, with cotton picking reaching its final stages in some areas.

As per official data, sowing includes jowar (12,407 ha), wheat (3,455 ha), maize (1,426 ha), chickpea (8,951 ha), and other pulses (499 ha). The main Rabi crops include wheat, gram, jowar, maize, onion, garlic, and fodder crops.

Agricultural experts have advised farmers to plan sowing based on soil moisture and temperature levels. The second week of November is considered ideal for sowing wheat and chickpea. Since the excessive Kharif rains have ensured good soil moisture, conditions remain favorable for Rabi cultivation this year.

Farmers with irrigation facilities are encouraged to start sowing immediately, particularly for chickpea and jowar, while ensuring seed treatment to promote uniform germination, prevent diseases, and enhance resistance to pests and climatic stress.

“Those without irrigation should sow chickpea and jowar now, as the soil retains good moisture. Treated seeds ensure faster and uniform germination while reducing disease risks.”
— V.J. Rathod, Taluka Agriculture Officer, Jalna