Rabi Crops in October 2026: Mustard, Chana, Potato and Wheat.

October is an important month for sowing rabi crops in India. Farmers can sow mustard, chana (gram) and potato during this month. Wheat can also be sown towards the end of October, but this period is mainly suitable for early varieties. The right sowing date depends on the crop, soil moisture & availability of irrigation. Sowing at the right time helps in the growth of the crop & reduces the risk of heat damage. Also, check out the suitable tractors for these crops.

• Mustard: Sow between 10 and 25 October where irrigation is available.
• Chana (gram): Sowing can begin from 15 October. Mid-October to around 20 October is a suitable time in many areas.
• Potato: Plant the main crop during the first three weeks of October.
• Wheat: Sow early varieties from the end of October. Most farmers should wait until November for timely sown varieties.

Why the Sowing Date Matters So Much

Rabi crops grow best in cool weather. If farmers sow too early, the high temperature & heat can damage germination. If sowing is delayed too much, rising temperatures in March can affect grain filling, which is the stage when grains develop and gain weight. Mustard planted on 10 October gave a better yield than crops planted later in the month.

Mustard Farming in India

Mustard crops grow in dry, light to medium soils and need only about two irrigations. Rajasthan grows the biggest share of this crop. For irrigated fields, the crops should be sown between 10 and 25 October. In rainfed fields, where farmers depend mainly on rainfall and stored soil moisture, sowing can begin earlier, from mid September to 10 October.

Important Requirements to grow mustard:

Best Tractor for Mustard Farming:

Eicher 242 suits small mustard plots. It has a 25 HP, 1557 cc single cylinder engine, 21.25 PTO HP and 1220 kg lifting capacity. The 8F+2R gearbox works well with a cultivator and seed drill.

Chana Crop Farming: Cultivation and Sowing Period

Chana (chickpea) makes its own nitrogen with the help of beneficial bacteria present in its root nodules. It also grows mainly on moisture stored in the soil. The sowing period runs from 15 October to 15 November. In Maharashtra, plants rainfed chana between October 1st and 15th, and irrigated chana between October 25th and November 7th.

Important Requirements to grow Chana:

Best Tractor for Chana Farming:

Massey Ferguson 1035 DI suits chana on small and medium farms. The 36 HP, 3 cylinder engine gives 30.6 PTO HP, with 6F+2R gears (8F+2R optional). A cultivator, MB plough and seed drill work well with this model.

Potato Farming in October: Cultivation and Sowing Period

Potatoes are the cash crop of the rabi season. Potato tubers develop best at temperatures of around 15°C to 25°C. When temperatures rise above 30°C, tuber development slows down. This is why choosing the right planting time is important. Late planting runs into the first week of November.

Important Requirements for Potato Farming:

Best Tractor for potato farming:

Solis 4215 E is a suitable tractor for potato planting. With 43 HP, 40.11 PTO HP, 196 Nm torque and a 2000 kg lift with ADDC hydraulics. The 10F+5R synchromesh gearbox, dual clutch and power steering help in ridging and trolley runs.

Wheat Crop Farming: Cultivation and Sowing Period

Wheat is still the biggest rabi crop, but October is early for it. IIWBR (ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research), Karnal advises early varieties from the end of October to the first week of November. Furthermore, timely sown varieties are generally planted during the first to third week of November.

Important Requirements for Wheat Farming:

Best Tractor for wheat farming:

For wheat land preparation, the Mahindra 585 DI XP Plus fits well. It has a 49.3 HP, 4-cylinder engine, 44.9 PTO HP, an 8F+2R gearbox, multi disc oil immersed brakes and a 6 year warranty. A rotavator, MB plough and seed drill pair easily with it.

Why Does the Sowing Date Matters So Much in Rabi Crops?

Rabi crops grow best in cool weather. If farmers sow too early, high temperatures can affect seed germination and early plant growth. If sowing is delayed too much, rising temperatures in March can affect grain filling, which is the stage when grains develop and gain weight.

Know About: Rabi Crops MSP Hike for 2027to 28

As per the Hindu article of 1st October 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an increase in the MSP of Rabi crops. Wheat got only Rs 25 more. Mustard, masur and safflower got much bigger raises, a clear push towards oilseeds and pulses.

Potatoes have no MSP. Its price follows the mandi.

The Final Word

Pick the crop by sowing date, water and soil, not by what the neighbour grew. Mustard and chana suit lower-water farms and carry the bigger MSP raises. Potatoes pay when irrigation and cold storage are certain. Wheat can wait for November in most places. Before finalising the crop and variety, farmers should check local weather conditions and consult their KVK for region-specific advice.