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3 Major Cropping Seasons in India - Kharif, Rabi & Zaid - UPSC Notes
IMPORTANT LINKS
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Syllabus |
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Topics for Prelims |
3 Major Cropping in India, Kharif Crop, Rabi crop, Zaid crop, Cropping Patterns in India. |
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Topics for Mains |
Irrigation, agriculture in India, Subsistence Agriculture, Mixed Cropping, Inadequate agricultural infrastructure, Predominance of food crops, Agricultural marketing. |
Types of Cropping Seasons in India
India grows various crops, including food, fiber, vegetables, fruits, spices, and condiments. With three distinct cropping seasons (rabi, kharif, and zaid), the country cultivates various crops ranging from grains to fruits and vegetables. From the winter-sown rabi crops like wheat and barley to the monsoon-dependent kharif crops like paddy and cotton, each season brings its agricultural bounty, shaping the livelihoods of millions. Every crop has unique planting, harvesting, and processing procedures. However, each crop can be distinguished genetically based on the crop season. There are three main Cropping Seasons in India: Rabi, Kharif and zaid.
Kharif Cropping Season
"Kharif" comes from an Arabic word that means fall. It describes the crop season for Kharif crops. Kharif season crops, also known as the monsoon crop season in India. It is sown at the start of the rainy season and harvested at its end. This period typically occurs between May and October, give or take a few months, depending on the crop. In states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Assam, kharif crops are well-known. For instance, the primary growing areas for rice, a Kharif crop, are West Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar. They require a lot of heat and water to develop well.
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What are the examples of Kharif Crops? |
Some important Kharif Crops are:
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What is meant by the Kharif Season? |
The cropping season in India starts in June and ends in October when monsoon crops are cultivated and harvested. |
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Rabi Cropping Season
"Rabi" is the Arabic word for spring. Rabi crops are sown in October or mid-November after the wet season. The harvest might occur in April or May, depending on the crop type. They are referred to as "winter crops." Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand state produce the most Rabi crops. After Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are the two states that produce the majority of wheat.
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What are the examples of Rabi Crops? |
Some important Rabi Crops are:
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What is meant by the Rabi Season? |
The season where crops are sown in mid-November and harvested in April/May is called Rabi SeasonThe cropping season in India starts in June and ends in October when monsoon crops are cultivated and harvested. |
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Is Tea or Coffee a Rabi crop? |
No, Tea and Coffee are Kharif crops. |
Zaid Cropping Season
The crops between Rabi and Kharif are called "filler" crops. The Zaid crops love the summertime! The crops are typically sown in March and harvested in June. Despite the short season, Zaid crops need warm, dry weather to grow and mature. Zaid crops also assist farmers in profiting from crops like cucumbers, pumpkins, and many types of melons. Most of these seasonal fruits are grown in India's Gangetic regions. Zaid crops also include fodder crops.
The Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid crops' growth cycle and productivity are governed by factors other than the monsoon. The timing, volume, and length of rainfall also impact the crop's health and field productivity. The soil also impacts the crops. Millets and cotton can be cultivated on alluvial soils, whereas rice and wheat require loamy and clayey soil. Finally, prices also have an impact on farmers' revenue levels. Additionally, the Indian government releases the minimum support prices (MSP) for all commodities. For example, the MSP for wheat increased from 1,400 per quintal in 2013–2014 to 2,015 per quintal in 2022.
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What are the examples of Zaid crops? |
Some important Zaid Crops are:
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When Zaid crops are sown and harvested? |
Since the Zaid crops are also called summer crops, they are planted and reaped between March and June. |
Read more about Agricultural Pricing and Crop Insurance.
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A Detailed Overview on Types of Crops In India
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Kharif Crops |
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Rabi Crops |
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Zaid Crops |
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Conclusion
Agriculture is very important in India and its geography, and 49% of India's population depends on agriculture. It also contributes to the crop seasons in India and the distribution of income and 14% of the GDP to the country. In the total geographical area, 141 million hectares is the net sown area, and 195 million hectares is the gross sown cropped area in crop seasons in India.
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Key Takeaways on 3 Major Cropping Seasons in India for UPSC Aspirants! Temperature Dependency: Kharif crops are monsoon-dependent. Rabi crops depend more on irrigation and residual moistness. Zaid crops are irrigation-intensive due to arid summer conditions. Geographical Divergence: The timing and variety of crops may differ across regions depending on weather, soil, and moisture availability. Farming Planning: Appropriate crop rotation during these seasons improves soil fertility and decreases diseases. Economic Importance: Each season contributes immensely to India's food security, employment, and agricultural GDP. |
Download 3 Major Cropping Seasons in India Key Takeaways PDF
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Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions |
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Major Cropping Seasons in India FAQs
Which is the Rabi season crop?
Winter crops are referred to as rabi crops. They are cultivated in November or October. Then, in the spring, the crops are harvested.
What are the 3 seasons of farming?
In India, there are three main harvesting seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid.
What are the 7 major crops in India?
Rice, wheat, millets, pulses, tea, coffee, sugarcane, oil seeds, cotton, jute, and other crops are the main agricultural products grown in India.
What is the kharif cropping season?
Kharif crops are monsoon crops made up of rice and other plants. The Kharif crops are best gathered during the monsoon season, which in some areas of the Indian subcontinent can start as early as May. Kharif crops are typically harvested from the third week of September until October.
How many types of crop season are there?
In India, there are three main harvesting seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid.
What is Zaid cropping season?
In India, there are three main harvesting seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid.