Rice (paddy)

Dhan / Chawal

CerealKharif

India's staple Kharif cereal, transplanted into puddled paddies with the onset of the southwest monsoon.

Calendar windows are indicative for the major Indian agro-climatic regions. Always cross-check with your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or state agriculture department for recommendations specific to your district, soil type and variety.

Sowing window

Jun – Jul (nursery May; transplant Jun – Jul)

Harvest window

Oct – Nov

Major producing states

West Bengal · Uttar Pradesh · Punjab · Andhra Pradesh · Tamil Nadu

Twelve-month operations

Month-wise operations for Rice (paddy)
Month	Operations	Notes
January	—
February	—
March	—
April	—
May	Sow	Nursery sowing for early Kharif.
June	SowFertilizeIrrigate	Transplanting in puddled fields; basal NPK at transplanting.
July	FertilizeIrrigateIntercultural	First N top-dressing at active tillering; weed control.
August	FertilizeSpray / IPMIrrigate	Second N split at panicle initiation; scout for stem borer and BPH.
SeptemberNow	Spray / IPMIrrigate	Flowering and grain filling — keep field moist; monitor blast and leaf folder.
October	Harvest	Harvest at 80 – 85% grain ripening.
November	Harvest	Late-maturing varieties.
December	—

Fertilizer schedule

Apply N in three splits — basal at transplanting, tillering and panicle initiation — with full P and K as basal. Refer ICAR-IIRR package of practices for state-specific rates.

Pest & disease management

Watch for stem borer, brown planthopper, leaf folder and blast, with risk peaking under prolonged leaf wetness in Aug – Sep. Follow IPM thresholds; consult ICAR-IIRR / state KVK advisories before any chemical control.

Irrigation

Maintain 2 – 5 cm standing water from tillering through flowering; critical stages are panicle initiation, flowering and grain filling.

Sources

See the full India crop calendar for all crops, or check our government schemes page for credit and insurance options for the Kharif season.