Sorghum, also known as jowar, is an important cereal crop grown widely across India. It is a hardy crop that can tolerate drought, high temperatures, and low soil fertility. Because of its strong adaptability, farmers cultivate sorghum in both the kharif (rainy) and rabi (winter) seasons. Knowing the correct sowing time is important because it helps the crop germinate well, grow stronger, and give better yield. The sowing time of sorghum mainly depends on the region, rainfall pattern, temperature, and the purpose of growing the crop.
In most parts of India, the major sowing season for sorghum is kharif, which begins with the onset of the monsoon. Kharif sorghum is generally sown between June and July. Farmers usually wait for the first good rainfall so that the soil becomes moist enough for seed germination. Proper moisture during sowing ensures quick sprouting and healthy establishment of the seedlings. In areas where the monsoon arrives a little late, sowing may extend into early August, but delayed sowing often leads to lower yield.
Apart from the kharif season, sorghum is also grown as a rabi crop in some states, especially Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Rabi sorghum is sown from September to October after the withdrawal of the monsoon. The rain received during late monsoon months provides stored soil moisture, which the crop uses for its early growth. Rabi sorghum has a longer duration and is known for producing grains with better quality and taste.
In irrigated regions or areas with good soil moisture availability, a summer sorghum crop can also be grown. This crop is sown between February and March. Summer sorghum requires proper irrigation and is mainly grown for fodder rather than grain. The warm temperatures during this period support fast growth, but farmers must ensure adequate water supply throughout the season.
Choosing the right sowing time also protects the crop from pests and diseases. For example, early sowing of kharif sorghum avoids the peak period of shoot fly and stem borer infestation. Similarly, timely rabi sowing helps avoid moisture stress during grain filling.
Seedbed preparation is important before sowing. Farmers should plough the field 2–3 times and break the soil clods to make it fine and even. Good soil moisture at sowing ensures uniform germination. Farmers should also choose improved and region-specific varieties suitable for the season in which they plan to grow sorghum.
In simple words, sorghum can be sown during:
June–July for kharif (rainy season)
September–October for rabi (post-monsoon season)
February–March for summer (mainly fodder)
Timely sowing helps the crop grow better, utilize soil moisture efficiently, and produce higher yields. Farmers should follow the sowing window based on local climate and variety recommendations to achieve the best results from sorghum cultivation.
