Contingency planning for crop sowing

 This year a special weather conditions has prevailed in Bundelkhand Agroclimatic zone specially in the districts Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur. Though the onset of monsoon was in time(17-18 June) in this agroclimatic zone. The rainfall distribution is good and above normal rainfall was received from 18th June to 10th July 2025. Tikamgarh, and Chhatarpur districts of  Madhya Pradesh, have experienced above‑normal rainfall since onset of monsoon 18th  June to 10th  July 2025. The monsoon entered around June 17—close to normal—but quickly became vigorous. The rainfall received during June  was about 40 -50% above normal. July is also seeing above‑normal monsoon rains, There is a possibility of scattered rainfall in these districts after 13th July, and will be continue up to 21st July ,2025. 

It is expecting a short duration  sowing window (16-21st July) may be available for sowing of crops.

 Implications for cropping and sowing

Framers of this zone have not able to do sowing of kharif crops in major area of these districts. However ,under above normal rainfall, contingency measures and best cropping choices are given below:

1. Sowing window adjustments

According to district contingency guidelines for Tikamgarh:

• Rainfed Kharif crops (sorghum, blackgram, soybean, sesame, groundnut) have a typical sowing window from third week of June up to 10 July.
• With monsoon already intense, sowing should preferably be done within this window, especially before mid-July, to avoid waterlogging risks.

2. If rainfall continues heavy past mid-July

Contingency plan for “heavy or continuous rains” on heavy soils includes:

• Ensure proper drainage in fields.
• Use ridge‑and‑furrow planting to improve water runoff.
• For paddy, sow only after draining excess water from fields .

3. Suitable crops & varieties under wet conditions

• On medium soils: soybean, arhar (pigeon pea), moong, urd, jowar, maize—prefer early sowing.
• On heavy soils: paddy (if drainage is effective), Sowing of black gram, moong and Til
• , vegetables.
• Ridge‑row patterns are recommended.

4. Agronomic practices

• Maintain drainage channels and field bunds to avoid water stagnation.
• Use organic matter or green manures to improve soil structure.
• Monitor for diseases common in saturated soils.
• Use climate-resilient and flood-tolerant seed varieties.
• Maintain crop insurance and timely access to seeds and agri-inputs.

Action Plan for Tikamgarh

Crop Type	Soil Type	Strategy
Paddy	Heavy	Drain before sowing; use ridge‑and‑furrow; opt for flood‑tolerant seed
Moong/Urd/Til	Medium/Shallow	Finish sowing by mid‑July; ridge planting; add green manure
Sesame	Medium/Shallow	Sowing completed upto 20th July; ensure drainage