13-May-2025
Cropping Seasons
Cropping Season in India
India’s agriculture is characterized by its diverse cropping seasons, primarily divided into Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid crops. These crops are grown based on seasonal climates, water availability, and regional preferences. The Kharif season occurs during the monsoon, while Rabi is cultivated in the winter, and Zaid crops are sown in the summer, between Rabi and Kharif. Below is a breakdown of these crops and their features.
Kharif Crops: Kharif crops are typically sown at the beginning of the monsoon season, from June to July, and harvested in September to October.
|
Feature |
Kharif Crops |
|
Sowing Period |
June to July (Onset of Monsoon) |
|
Harvesting Period |
September to October (Autumn) |
|
Climate Requirements |
Hot and humid conditions with substantial rainfall |
|
Water Dependency |
Highly dependent on monsoon rainfall |
|
Soil Type |
Well-drained soils that retain moisture |
|
Examples |
Rice, Maize, Cotton, Bajra, Soybean, Groundnut, Sugarcane |
Rabi Crops: Rabi crops are typically sown post-monsoon, from October to November, and harvested between April and June, during cooler temperatures.
|
Feature |
Rabi Crops |
|
Sowing Period |
October to November (Post-Monsoon) |
|
Harvesting Period |
April to June (Spring) |
|
Climate Requirements |
Cooler temperatures, typically between 15°C to 20°C |
|
Water Dependency |
Less water required, often needs irrigation |
|
Soil Type |
Loamy or alluvial soils that retain some moisture |
|
Examples |
Wheat, Barley, Mustard, Peas, Chickpeas, Potato, Onion |
Zaid Crops: Zaid crops are sown between Rabi and Kharif seasons (March to June) and have a short growth cycle, often requiring less water.
|
Feature |
Zaid Crops |
|
Sowing Period |
March to June (Between Rabi and Kharif) |
|
Harvesting Period |
60 to 90 days after sowing (short duration) |
|
Climate Requirements |
Hot, dry conditions with longer daylight hours for flowering |
|
Water Dependency |
Requires less water compared to Kharif and Rabi crops |
|
Soil Type |
Prefers well-drained soils, with high fertility |
|
Examples |
Watermelon, Muskmelon, Cucumber, Bitter Gourd, Guar |