Rabi Season 2026-27: Important Crop Management Tips & Chickpea Pre-Sowing Management
Rabi Season 2026-27: Important Crop Management Tips & Chickpea Pre-Sowing Management
Guided by: Shri Gajanan Jadhav
Date: 5 October 2026
A successful Rabi season begins with proper planning. With limited water availability and changing field conditions, farmers need to carefully plan crop selection, sowing area, variety selection, soil management, irrigation, nutrient management and moisture conservation.
The presentation emphasizes limiting the cultivated area according to available water, selecting short-duration varieties, timely intercultivation, avoiding excessive fertilizer use, adopting drip/sprinkler irrigation and conserving soil moisture through organic mulching. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Key Rabi Management Practices
1. Limit the sowing area
Farmers should consider available water before deciding the cultivated area. The presentation suggests cultivating a smaller area rather than risking the entire farm.
2. Prefer timely and early sowing
Rabi crops should generally be sown around 15 days earlier than usual, according to the presentation. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
3. Wheat management
Considering limited water availability and expected temperature rise, wheat cultivation should be avoided or restricted to a smaller area, as suggested in the presentation. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
4. Soil selection
Medium to heavy soils are preferred for Rabi crops, particularly under drought or water-scarce conditions. Raised-bed, ridge-furrow or BBF planting is recommended instead of flat-bed sowing. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
5. Timely intercultivation
The presentation recommends intercultivation at approximately the 3rd, 5th and 8th weeks after sowing using appropriate implements. This helps maintain soil tilth and conserve moisture. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Chickpea Management Before Sowing
Soil Selection
Avoid:
- Light soils
- Sodic/problematic soils
- Poorly drained soils
Prefer medium-heavy to heavy soils. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Sowing Window
The presentation recommends:
- Rainfed: Around 10 October
- Protected irrigation: Up to 15 November
Chickpea should be sown after the soil reaches suitable moisture/“wafsa” condition following the Kharif crop. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Water Management
Chickpea is sensitive to excess water. The presentation recommends:
- Sowing after proper soil moisture/wafsa condition.
- Irrigating immediately after sowing if adequate moisture is unavailable.
- First irrigation at the beginning of bud and flowering.
- Avoid irrigation during full flowering.
- Provide the second irrigation according to crop requirement during pod filling.
- Avoid excessive irrigation because it may lead to root damage. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Seed Rate
The presentation gives the following approximate seed rates:
| Chickpea type | Seed rate/acre |
|---|---|
| Small-seeded desi types | 20 kg |
| Medium-seeded types – Booster Shooter / Jackie | 25 kg |
| Large-seeded types – Vishal / Vikram | 30 kg |
| Booster improved bold Kabuli | 35–45 kg |
With dibbling/token or manual planting, seed requirement may reduce by up to 40%, according to the presentation. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Planting Methods
For ridge-furrow planting, the presentation recommends approximately:
- Row spacing: 2.5–3 feet
- Plant spacing: 6–9 inches ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
BBF planting is also recommended where suitable machinery is available. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Seed Treatment
The presentation provides both biological and chemical seed-treatment options, including the products and quantities mentioned in the original material. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच… ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Farmers should always follow the current product label and officially approved crop-use recommendations before application.
Weed Management
The presentation discusses pre-emergence weed management using Pendimethalin-based products and specifies application within 48 hours after sowing. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Moisture Conservation
Crop residues and other organic materials can be used as mulch between crop rows to reduce evaporation and help conserve soil moisture. ०५_१०_२६_रब्बी_पिकांबदल_महत्वाच…
Conclusion
Better Rabi production begins with better planning.
Farmers should connect:
Available Water → Crop Selection → Soil Selection → Variety → Timely Sowing → Proper Planting Method → Seed Treatment → Nutrient Management → Weed Management → Irrigation Management
A disciplined approach to each stage can create a stronger foundation for productive Rabi cultivation.
???? Watch the Complete Guidance Video
Watch the complete video for detailed guidance on Rabi crop planning, chickpea pre-sowing management, variety selection, seed treatment, irrigation, nutrient management and sowing methods.