Agriculture in Bhagalpur District: Zardalu mango and silk (Bhagalpuri)
Bhagalpur is one of Bihar's notable agricultural districts, best known for Zardalu mango and silk (Bhagalpuri). Its farmland is fed by Ganges, Kosi and sits on predominantly alluvial soil, a combination that favours rice, maize, jardalu mango. Unlike a generic state average, Bhagalpur's cropping is shaped by this specific soil-and-water mix, which is why the crops and schemes below are weighted to what actually grows and sells here.
What Grows Best in Bhagalpur
The district's main crops are Rice (Paddy), Maize (Corn), jardalu mango, Wheat. rice leads the local economy, so Bhagalpur farmers should track the Rice (Paddy) rate closely and plan sowing, inputs and storage around it. The alluvial soil here is fertile and well-drained, ideal for wheat, rice, sugarcane and vegetables.
Crop Calendar for Bhagalpur (Sowing & Harvest)
Based on Bhagalpur's main crops, here is when to sow and harvest locally. Plan inputs, labour and credit around these windows:
| Crop | Season & Window | All-India rate (17 October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 🍚 Rice (Paddy) | Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Oct-Nov) | ₹3,900/qtl |
| 🌽 Maize (Corn) | Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Sep-Oct) | ₹2,330/qtl |
| jardalu mango | Local seasonal crop | - |
| 🌾 Wheat | Rabi (Sow: Oct-Nov, Harvest: Mar-Apr) | ₹2,675/qtl |
Soil, Water & Irrigation in Bhagalpur
With alluvial soil and water from the Ganges, Kosi, the priority for Bhagalpur farmers is matching irrigation to the crop. Drip and sprinkler subsidies and a solar pump can cut water and power costs significantly. A free soil health card tells you exactly which nutrients your plot needs.
Best Way to Sell rice from Bhagalpur
Since rice is central to Bhagalpur, time your sale using the live rice rate. Sell at Bhagalpur Mandi and compare with neighbouring mandis. Grade and clean produce for a 15-20% premium, and list on eNAM to reach buyers beyond Bhagalpur.
What Bhagalpur Actually Grows: Official Crop Statistics
In 2024-25, Bhagalpur's largest crops by area were Rice (Paddy), Maize (Corn), Wheat. Rice (Paddy) alone covered 57,616 ha (33% of the area under the crops listed below), with a yield of 2,520 kg/ha, 2% below the Bihar average. The biggest shifts since 2019-20: Rice (Paddy) area +73%, Masur (Lentil) area +70%.
| Crop | Area (ha) | Production (tonnes) | Yield (kg/ha) | Bihar avg yield | Area change since 2019-20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (Paddy) | 57,616 | 1,45,173 | 2,520 | 2,561 | +73% |
| Maize (Corn) | 52,940 | 2,53,684 | 4,792 | 6,101 | +55% |
| Wheat | 44,594 | 1,44,325 | 3,236 | 3,145 | -6% |
| Moong (Green Gram) | 8,478 | 3,555 | 419 | 595 | +604% |
| Gram (Chana) | 3,846 | 3,440 | 894 | 1,045 | +69% |
| Masur (Lentil) | 3,510 | 3,608 | 1,028 | 1,021 | +70% |
| Mustard (Rapeseed) | 2,724 | 3,550 | 1,303 | 1,204 | +52% |
| Urad (Black Gram) | 831 | 771 | 927 | 979 | +137% |
| Barley | 236 | 398 | 1,687 | 1,881 | -80% |
| Sunflower | 178 | 231 | 1,297 | 1,450 | +11% |
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India (final estimates), via UPAg. Field crops only - vegetables, fruit and spices are counted separately. Bihar average = sum of the state's district estimates.
Climate & Sowing Windows in Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur receives about 1121 mm of rain in an average year, 79% of it in June-September. The wettest month is July (301 mm). Days are hottest in May (average high 40°C) and nights coolest in January (average low 8°C).
- Rain typically first crosses 100 mm a month in June, the usual cue for kharif sowing here.
- Winter nights average about 8°C, cool enough for rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, gram and potato.
- March days already average 35°C, so late-sown wheat risks heat stress at grain filling. Sowing by mid-November is safer.
| Month | Rain (mm) | Avg high | Avg low |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | 23° | 8° |
| February | 9 | 29° | 12° |
| March | 16 | 35° | 18° |
| April | 38 | 39° | 24° |
| May | 90 | 40° | 27° |
| June | 172 | 38° | 28° |
| July | 301 | 33° | 26° |
| August | 211 | 32° | 26° |
| September | 204 | 31° | 25° |
| October | 67 | 30° | 21° |
| November | 3 | 27° | 15° |
| December | 2 | 24° | 10° |
Source: NASA POWER long-term monthly averages (satellite and model based, so they can understate rain on coasts and hills) for the centre of Bhagalpur district (25.2861, 87.1304). These are normals, not a forecast for any one year; for this week see the farm weather forecast.
For Bhagalpur Farmers: Solar Pumps & Tractors
Districts Near Bhagalpur
Before you sell, compare mandis in neighbouring districts too (straight-line distance between district centres):
Land records and Farmer ID in Bihar
Government Schemes for Bhagalpur Farmers
Farmers in Bhagalpur are eligible for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Kisan Credit Card, Soil Health Card Scheme, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, eNAM - National Agriculture Market and more. For Bhagalpur's rice growers, crop insurance, KCC and irrigation subsidies are the priority. Apply at the Bhagalpur district agriculture office, a CSC, or online via the Subsidy Finder.