Agriculture in Aravalli District: Groundnut, cotton and castor belt with major oilseed output
Aravalli is one of Gujarat's notable agricultural districts, best known for groundnut, cotton and castor belt with major oilseed output. Its farmland is fed by local canals and wells and sits on predominantly black, alluvial and sandy (saline coastal) soil, a combination that favours bajra, castor, cumin. Unlike a generic state average, Aravalli'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 Aravalli
The district's main crops are Bajra (Pearl Millet), Castor, Cumin (Jeera), Tobacco, Groundnut, Cotton, Wheat. bajra leads the local economy, so Aravalli farmers should track the Bajra (Pearl Millet) rate closely and plan sowing, inputs and storage around it. The black, alluvial and sandy (saline coastal) soil here holds moisture well and suits cotton, soybean, pulses and oilseeds.
Crop Calendar for Aravalli (Sowing & Harvest)
Based on Aravalli's main crops, here is when to sow and harvest locally. Plan inputs, labour and credit around these windows:
| Crop | Season & Window | Today's Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 🌾 Bajra (Pearl Millet) | Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Sep-Oct) | ₹2,430/qtl |
| 🌿 Castor | Kharif (Sow: Jul-Aug, Harvest: Jan-Feb) | ₹7,900/qtl |
| 🌿 Cumin (Jeera) | Rabi (Sow: Oct-Nov, Harvest: Feb-Mar) | ₹7,900/qtl |
| 🍂 Tobacco | Rabi (Sow: Sep-Oct, Transplant: Nov-Dec, Harvest: Feb-Apr) | ₹3,600/qtl |
| 🥜 Groundnut | Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Oct-Nov) | ₹7,000/qtl |
| 🪴 Cotton | Kharif (Sow: Apr-Jun, Pick: Oct-Jan) | ₹8,950/qtl |
| 🌾 Wheat | Rabi (Sow: Oct-Nov, Harvest: Mar-Apr) | ₹2,600/qtl |
Soil, Water & Irrigation in Aravalli
With black, alluvial and sandy (saline coastal) soil and canal and groundwater irrigation, the priority for Aravalli farmers is matching irrigation to the crop. Because the soil drains quickly, a drip system (45-90% subsidy) pays back fast here and a solar pump cuts the high cost of pumping groundwater. A free soil health card tells you exactly which nutrients your black, alluvial and sandy (saline coastal) plot needs.
Best Way to Sell bajra from Aravalli
Since bajra is central to Aravalli, time your sale using the live bajra rate. Compare rates at the nearest APMC mandi with the Gujarat price page. Grade and clean produce for a 15-20% premium, and list on eNAM to reach buyers beyond Aravalli.
Government Schemes for Aravalli Farmers
Farmers in Aravalli 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 Aravalli's bajra growers, the solar pump and drip subsidies are especially valuable. Apply at the Aravalli district agriculture office, a CSC, or online via the Subsidy Finder.