Agriculture in Akola District: Deccan black-soil tract; cotton, oilseeds, sugarcane and horticulture
Akola is one of Maharashtra's notable agricultural districts, best known for Deccan black-soil tract; cotton, oilseeds, sugarcane and horticulture. Its farmland is fed by local canals and wells and sits on predominantly deep black cotton soil (vertisol) soil, a combination that favours soybean, jowar, tur. Unlike a generic state average, Akola'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 Akola
The district's main crops are Soybean, Jowar (Sorghum), tur, Sugarcane, Onion, Grapes, Cotton. soybean leads the local economy, so Akola farmers should track the Soybean rate closely and plan sowing, inputs and storage around it. The deep black cotton soil (vertisol) soil here holds moisture well and suits cotton, soybean, pulses and oilseeds.
Crop Calendar for Akola (Sowing & Harvest)
Based on Akola'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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🫘 Soybean | Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Sep-Nov) | ₹5,670/qtl |
| 🌾 Jowar (Sorghum) | Kharif & Rabi | ₹2,900/qtl |
| tur | Local seasonal crop | - |
| 🎋 Sugarcane | Plant: Feb-Mar (spring) or Oct-Nov (autumn), Harvest: 10-12 months | ₹350/qtl |
| 🧅 Onion | Kharif (Jun-Jul sow) & Rabi (Oct-Nov sow) | ₹4,300/qtl |
| 🍇 Grapes | Feb-Apr | ₹10,500/qtl |
| 🪴 Cotton | Kharif (Sow: Apr-Jun, Pick: Oct-Jan) | ₹8,950/qtl |
Soil, Water & Irrigation in Akola
With deep black cotton soil (vertisol) soil and canal and groundwater irrigation, the priority for Akola 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 deep black cotton soil (vertisol) plot needs.
Best Way to Sell soybean from Akola
Since soybean is central to Akola, time your sale using the live soybean rate. Compare rates at the nearest APMC mandi with the Maharashtra price page. Grade and clean produce for a 15-20% premium, and list on eNAM to reach buyers beyond Akola.
Live Mandi Prices in Akola Today
These are the crops actually trading in Akola's markets (Akola APMC), with today's modal price per quintal:
| Commodity | Min | Max | Modal Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengal Gram(Gram)(Whole) | ₹5,005 | ₹5,300 | ₹5,170 |
| Green Gram(Moong)(Whole) | ₹6,400 | ₹7,300 | ₹7,000 |
| Red gram/Arhar/Tur(whole) | ₹7,000 | ₹7,975 | ₹7,650 |
| Soyabean | ₹6,000 | ₹7,670 | ₹7,275 |
| Garlic | ₹8,000 | ₹14,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Wheat | ₹2,200 | ₹2,430 | ₹2,280 |
| Maize | ₹1,400 | ₹1,400 | ₹1,400 |
| Sesamum(Sesame,Gingelly,Til) | ₹10,000 | ₹10,275 | ₹10,150 |
| Ginger(Green) | ₹5,000 | ₹7,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Black Gram(Urd Beans)(Whole) | ₹4,780 | ₹4,905 | ₹4,842 |
Source: Agmarknet daily arrivals for Akola, Maharashtra. Updated daily.
Government Schemes for Akola Farmers
Farmers in Akola 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 Akola's soybean growers, crop insurance and the soil health card matter most for the black-soil crops here. Apply at the Akola district agriculture office, a CSC, or online via the Subsidy Finder.