5 Best Summer Crops in Gujarat | Farmer's Guide for Efficiency & Profit
Gujarat's dynamic agriculture is a lot more than just the monsoon and winter culture. The summer season, in the state known as Zaid, effectively contributes to the production of crops traded in the Gujarat mandi. It supports farmers to grow a variety of crops. Despite high temperatures and dependency on water availability for irrigation, innovative practices can help in the sustainable and rapid distribution of plants. This period provides fresh products and increases farmers' income opportunities when other seasonal crops are unavailable. Farmers utilise Gujarat's best summer culture due to tolerance and high demand for the market. This provides cultivators with both permanent revenue and constant offers from key consumer products.
5 Best Summer Crops in Gujarat 2025
1. Watermelon
When the Gujarat summer is at its peak, watermelon is a fruit which refreshes the body and is filled with water. It is not only the favourite fruit of consumers in summer, but is also a beneficial summer crop produced in Gujarat and other states of the nation.
Why in summer: Watermelon plants grow in hot, dry weather and abundant sunshine. These are the factors involved in the weather conditions of Gujarat. The rise in temperature helps in the development of the crops.
Cultivation Details: Sowing of the seeds in Gujarat usually starts from March, ensuring the plants establish themselves before the peak summer heat. They require well-drained, sandy soils and consistent enough irrigation, especially during the flowering and fruit development stages.
Benefits: It is in high demand during summer and has good profitability.
2. Cucumber
Cucumber is a crop that is widely produced and traded in the mandis of the state, especially in the agricultural hubs such as Surat mandi. It is grown in every season, including the summer season, as it is always in demand, irrespective of the season.
Why in summer: Cucumbers grow well in warm temperatures and the long daylight hours that is what Gujarat's summer looks like. They have high water content, which is crucial for their growth in hot conditions and also makes them very refreshing.
Cultivation Details: Sowing of crops is usually done from February to April. These crops grow properly when the soil is healthy and fertile. Consistent and sufficient irrigation is critical to ensure good fruit development and prevent bitterness.
Benefits: It is always in demand and can be grown all year round. It requires consistent care depending on the nature and other factors for the proper growth of crops.
3. Moong (Green Gram)
Moong, or green gram, is an important pulse crop known for its nutritional value. It is one of the most popular and profitable crops produced in Gujarat, cultivated intensively during the summers.
Why in summer: The growth of crops is appropriate when the soil and weather conditions support. It adapts to the environmental conditions during the summers in Gujarat. The growth of the crops in Gujarat during summer improves the fertility of the soil, which lowers the need for fertilisers for the soil in future.
Cultivation Details: It is usually sown in March or early April. Take proper care of your crops with regular irrigation.
Benefits: Moong provides an additional source of income for farmers, utilises the period of summer efficiently, and contributes significantly to soil health.
4. Cluster Beans
Cluster Beans are a nutritious vegetable crop grown in Gujarat, which is a choice of many. It adapts to the weather conditions during summer and grows properly. Cluster beans are crops produced during the monsoon in Gujarat as well.
Why in summer: These crops are known for their ability to adapt to the heat levels.
Cultivation Details: Every crop requires proper irrigation as needed. These crops require moderate irrigation and can be grown in summer.
Benefits: It is a low-maintenance crop which can be grown in summer. It is a preferred crop by many as it is filled with nutrients.
5. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a commonly consumed crop that is usually found in every home. It is one of the best summer crops grown in Gujarat.
Why in summer: Like various other crops, pumpkins require warm temperatures and sunshine to grow well and mature. The summer heat drives their growth and development.
Cultivation Details: Sowing of Pumpkin seeds in Gujarat during summers is mainly done during February end or in the month of March. It can be grown properly in healthy soil, which offers various nutrients and support to the seeds to grow.
Benefits: It is always in demand and can be grown in summer. Farmers can produce other crops during the peak time, i.e., the kharif season and the rabi season. The land can be utilised during summer as well.
The Importance of Zaid (Summer) Cultivation in Gujarat
Maximising Land Use: This allows farmers to use their lands efficiently, apart from the major seasons of Rabi and Kharif, increasing the overall productivity of the farm annually.
Increased income: Zaid crops are often available outside the season as they can’t be grown during the kharif and rabi seasons. It brings the opportunity to grow during summer, which contributes to an increase in farmers' income, which often results in better market prices.
Food Security: It ensures the consistent availability of seasonal crops in the mandi.
Soil Health: Increased impulses such as Moong in Zaid's season help to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and reduce the need for synthetic fertiliser in subsequent crops.