Sow Canola and Mustard in Punjab by 15 October: Dates and Varieties

In Punjab, most canola varieties should be sown between 1 and 15 October, so the window closes in a week. The Punjab Agriculture Department lists TM Canola, Khanpur Canola, Rachna Canola, Sandal Canola and Super Canola for 1 to 15 October. BaghoBahar Raya runs from 15 September to 15 October.

We read the Punjab Agriculture Department's page on rapeseed and mustard on 8 October 2026. It lists sowing dates and expected yields for each variety. It does not list seed rates or fertiliser doses, so we cover those only as reported, and say so below.

Sow inside the date window for your variety

Each variety has its own window. A variety sown after its window flowers in warmer weather, and reports in farm advice say late sowing cuts yield sharply. Since today is 8 October, the main window has about seven days left.

AARI Canola's listed window ended on 30 September, so it is now outside its date. Choose a variety whose window is still open, rather than sowing out of season.

Compare expected yields before you choose a seed

The department lists a yield for each variety in maunds per acre. These are expected yields under good care, not guarantees, and a shortage of water or a hot spell can lower them. Use them to compare varieties, not to plan your debt.

Super Raya, Barani Star and Rohi Sarson are not given sowing dates in the lines we read, so check them with your local agriculture office before you buy. Barani varieties are meant for rain-fed land.

Know the difference between canola and mustard

Canola is a type of rapeseed bred to have very low erucic acid and glucosinolates. The Punjab page says canola varieties have less than 2% erucic acid and less than 30 micromoles per gram of glucosinolate. That makes the oil and the meal safer for people and animals.

The page gives the oil content of these crops as 40% to 46%, with 38% to 40% protein in the meal left after pressing. Raya, sarson and torya are older mustard and rapeseed types that are not all canola quality. Buyers can pay differently for each, so ask before you sow where you will sell.

Several varieties are listed with tolerance traits, such as heat, drought, lodging (falling over) and shattering (pods splitting early). Ask the seed seller which trait the variety actually has, and do not accept it by name alone.

Buy certified seed and protect your money

Certified seed of improved varieties is the safer choice over farm-saved seed, which loses vigour over the seasons. Buy from a registered dealer, keep the bill, and check the tag on the bag for the variety name and lot.

1. Pick a variety whose sowing window is still open.
2. Ask your local agriculture office which varieties suit your area and water.
3. Buy certified seed from a registered dealer and keep the bill.
4. Check that the bag is sealed and tagged.
5. Sow, then irrigate as advised for your soil.

Seed rates reported by the Agricultural Research Institute for raya (canola) are 2 to 2.5 kg per acre. We saw this only in a search summary and could not open the institute's own page, so confirm it with your field officer. For fertiliser, see the Rabi decisions in our guide to the 2026 to 27 Rabi committee decisions on urea, DAP and water, and the DAP and urea prices in September 2026.

If you buy a fake bag, report it. Our guide to reporting fake fertiliser and pesticide in Punjab shows how.

Check prices and support before you commit land

Oilseed prices move, and we did not find a government support price for canola like the one for wheat. Check what buyers pay near you before you decide how many acres to sow. Our guide to checking mandi rates on AMIS shows how to see wholesale rapeseed and mustard seed prices.

If you are a small farmer, see if Punjab's input schemes help. The Punjab Kissan Card guide covers who can get one, and the guide to Punjab agriculture schemes lists others.

Common questions about canola and mustard in Punjab

Is it too late to sow canola on 8 October?

No, for most varieties. The Punjab Agriculture Department lists 1 to 15 October for TM, Khanpur, Rachna, Sandal and Super Canola. Sow as soon as the field is ready, because yield falls with delay.

Which variety gives the highest yield?

Among the varieties we read, Super Raya is listed at 43.22 maunds per acre and Barani Star at 42. Both are expected yields, and the right choice depends on your land and water.

What is the difference between canola and sarson?

Canola is bred for very low erucic acid and glucosinolates. Sarson is a traditional mustard type that is not necessarily canola quality.

How much oil does canola give?

The Punjab page lists 40% to 46% oil. The meal that remains has 38% to 40% protein.

Where can I buy certified seed?

From a registered seed dealer, or ask your district agriculture extension office for a list. Always get a bill.

How we verified this

What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.

Last checked 8 October 2026. Sowing windows, yields, oil and protein shares and the erucic acid limit come from the Punjab Agriculture Department's rapeseed and mustard page. The seed rate comes from a search summary of the Agricultural Research Institute's advice, and we could not open that page, so it is reported only. We did not verify a canola support price, fertiliser doses or pest advice. Your local agriculture officer should confirm everything for your district.