Kharif Season Crops
Context: The Minister for Agriculture has asked officials of the department to prepare an action plan for the coming Kharif season by keeping ready the seed of green manure, seed of crops, and fertilizers needed before the commencement of the season’s farming operations.
Important Pointers:
Difference between Kharif and Rabi Crops
Feature
Kharif Crops
Rabi Crops
Sowing Time
June to July (with the onset of monsoon)
October to November (after monsoon withdrawal)
Harvesting Time
September to October (autumn)
April to June (spring)
Climate Suitability
Require hot and humid weather with ample rainfall
Prefer a cool and dry climate (15°C to 20°C)
Water Needs
Highly dependent on monsoon rains
Less rainfall-dependent; irrigation is often required
Soil Preference
Grow well in moisture-retentive, well-drained soils
Thrive in loamy or alluvial soils with moderate moisture retention
Examples of Crops
Rice, maize, cotton, bajra (pearl millet), soybean
Wheat, barley, mustard, peas, chickpeas
Growth Duration
Shorter duration (approx. 90–150 days)
Longer duration (approx. 120–180 days)
Nutrient Needs
High nitrogen requirement for fast vegetative growth
Balanced nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium, for root/grain health
Pests & Diseases
High risk due to humid monsoon conditions
Lower risk but vulnerable to specific cold-season diseases
Crops grown in different seasons
Crop Season
Examples
Zaid
Fruits: Watermelon, Muskmelon, Vegetables: Brinjal (Eggplant), Okra (Ladyfinger), Tomato, Cucumber, Bitter Gourd, Pumpkin Pulses: Green Gram (Moong), Black Gram (Urad), Pigeon Pea (Arhar) Fodder Crops: Guar (Cluster Beans), Sugarcane
Kharif
Cereals: Rice, Maize, Sorghum (Jowar), Bajra (Pearl Millet) Pulses: Green Gram (Moong), Black Gram (Urad), Pigeon Pea (Toor) Oilseeds: Soybean, Groundnut Fiber Crops: Cotton Fruits: Banana, Mango, Watermelon Vegetables: Okra (Ladyfinger), Brinjal (Eggplant)
Rabi
Cereals: Wheat, Barley, Oats Pulses: Chickpea (Gram), Lentils, Peas, Pigeon Pea, Kulthi (Horse Gram), Masoor (Red Lentil), Lobias (Lobia Beans) Oilseeds: Mustard, Linseed, Sesame Vegetables: Peas, Onion, Garlic, Potato, Carrot, Cauliflower, Beetroot, Brinjal (Eggplant), Broccoli, Cabbage, Capsicum, Radish, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Tomato Fruit: Strawberry Spices and Seeds: Cumin, Coriander, Fenugreek Seed Plants: Alfalfa (Lucerne), Isabgol (Psyllium), Sunflower