MUMBAI, 20 June 2025: The arrival of monsoon in Maharashtra signals more than a change in weather—it marks the beginning of the crucial Kharif season, a lifeline for millions of farmers across the state. As rainfall patterns shift and market prices fluctuate, choosing the right crop is no longer just an agricultural decision—it's a financial strategy.
Here’s a curated list of the top five crops best suited for the 2025 monsoon season in Maharashtra, based on climatic adaptability, market demand, and long-term profitability.
1. Cotton: Maharashtra’s White Gold
Cotton continues to dominate the Kharif season in Maharashtra, especially in regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada. With favorable minimum support prices (MSP) and increasing demand from the textile industry, cotton remains a staple for both small and large farmers.
Sowing Period: Mid-June to early July
Ideal Rainfall: 600–800 mm
Key Varieties: NHH-44, Ankur-651, Bunny BT
Average Yield: 15–20 quintals/acre
Market Outlook 2025: Prices expected to rise due to global supply chain pressures and strong domestic demand
Tip: Use drip irrigation and pest-resistant BT cotton seeds to manage bollworm attacks and water scarcity.
2. Soybean: The Protein Powerhouse
With rising health awareness and demand for plant-based proteins, soybean has emerged as a highly profitable monsoon crop. Its ability to thrive in medium black soils and lower water requirement makes it ideal for most regions in Maharashtra.
Sowing Period: Last week of June to mid-July
Ideal Rainfall: 500–700 mm
Key Varieties: JS-335, MAUS-71, NRC-37
Average Yield: 10–14 quintals/acre
Market Outlook 2025: Global oilseed prices are trending upward, boosting soybean profitability
Tip: Timely sowing and weed control in the first 30 days is critical for a good harvest.
3. Paddy (Rice): The Kharif Staple
In the coastal Konkan belt and parts of Western Maharashtra, paddy remains an irreplaceable crop, thanks to high monsoon precipitation and government procurement support.
Sowing Period: June to early July
Ideal Rainfall: 1000–1200 mm
Key Varieties: Indrayani, Sahyadri-5, Ratnagiri-24
Average Yield: 18–25 quintals/acre
Market Outlook 2025: Stable prices with higher MSPs announced under PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana
Tip: Shift toward SRI (System of Rice Intensification) and hybrid varieties to reduce water usage and increase yield.
4. Tur (Arhar): A Climate-Resilient Pulse
With pulses playing a major role in food security and protein nutrition, tur (pigeon pea) offers an excellent low-maintenance, high-value crop for dryland farmers.
Sowing Period: Mid-June to early July
Ideal Rainfall: 600–1000 mm
Key Varieties: BSMR-736, ICPL-87119, Phule Ganga
Average Yield: 8–10 quintals/acre
Market Outlook 2025: MSP hikes and continued shortfall in pulse production to drive prices higher
Tip: Tur’s deep root system helps it withstand long dry spells—ideal for drought-prone districts.
5. Maize: A Versatile Cash Crop
Often underrated, maize has seen a steady rise in acreage due to its use in animal feed, food processing, and ethanol production. It is particularly suitable for districts like Nashik, Pune, and Kolhapur.
Sowing Period: Early June to mid-July
Ideal Rainfall: 500–800 mm
Key Varieties: Bio-9637, NK-6240, HQPM-1
Average Yield: 20–24 quintals/acre
Market Outlook 2025: Growing demand from poultry and biofuel industries ensures robust pricing
Tip: Avoid waterlogging and use appropriate fungicides to prevent stem borer attacks.
Beyond Yield: Planning for Profit and Resilience
With increasing weather unpredictability and rising input costs, farmers in Maharashtra must not only look at yield but also at market dynamics, resilience to climate change, and availability of subsidies or crop insurance.
Multi-cropping strategies, especially combinations like tur with soybean or maize with pulses, are being encouraged by agri-extension workers to reduce risk and improve soil health.
As we step into the 2025 monsoon, these five crops—cotton, soybean, paddy, tur, and maize—offer a balance of market viability, climate adaptability, and income stability. Whether you’re a smallholder in Marathwada or a progressive farmer in Western Maharashtra, choosing the right crop could make all the difference.
Maharashtra’s farming future lies not just in what is grown—but in how smartly it is chosen.