Agriculture in Botad District: Groundnut, cotton and castor belt with major oilseed output
Botad 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 groundnut, cotton, wheat. Unlike a generic state average, Botad'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 Botad
The district's main crops are Groundnut, Cotton, Wheat, Bajra (Pearl Millet), Castor, Cumin (Jeera), Tobacco. groundnut leads the local economy, so Botad farmers should track the Groundnut 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 Botad (Sowing & Harvest)
Based on Botad'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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🥜 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 |
| 🌾 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 |
Soil, Water & Irrigation in Botad
With black, alluvial and sandy (saline coastal) soil and canal and groundwater irrigation, the priority for Botad 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 groundnut from Botad
Since groundnut is central to Botad, time your sale using the live groundnut 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 Botad.
Live Mandi Prices in Botad Today
These are the crops actually trading in Botad's markets (Botad APMC, Botad(Haddad) APMC), with today's modal price per quintal:
| Commodity | Min | Max | Modal Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jowar(Sorghum) | ₹2,000 | ₹5,290 | ₹3,650 |
| Bengal Gram(Gram)(Whole) | ₹4,750 | ₹5,840 | ₹5,250 |
| Sesamum(Sesame,Gingelly,Til) | ₹12,200 | ₹18,650 | ₹15,400 |
| Cotton | ₹7,500 | ₹9,545 | ₹9,000 |
Source: Agmarknet daily arrivals for Botad, Gujarat. Updated daily.
Government Schemes for Botad Farmers
Farmers in Botad 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 Botad's groundnut growers, the solar pump and drip subsidies are especially valuable. Apply at the Botad district agriculture office, a CSC, or online via the Subsidy Finder.