Geography · Ch 11 — Land Resources and Agriculture
Cropping Seasons in India
Cropping Seasons in India
India has three distinct cropping seasons in its northern and interior parts: kharif, rabi, and zaid. This division is driven largely by the monsoon rhythm and temperature patterns. The southern parts of the country do not follow this three-season pattern because temperatures there remain high enough year-round to grow tropical crops, provided soil moisture is available.
Kharif Season (June–September)
The kharif season coincides with the Southwest Monsoon. It is the main rainy-season cropping period, ideal for tropical crops that need high temperatures and plenty of water.
- Major crops: Rice, cotton, jute, jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), and tur (pigeon pea).
- Northern states: Rice, cotton, bajra, maize, jowar, tur.
- Southern states: Rice, maize, ragi (finger millet), jowar, groundnut.
Rabi Season (October–March)
The rabi season begins with the onset of winter in October–November and ends in March–April. The low temperatures during this period favour temperate and subtropical crops.
- Major crops: Wheat, gram (chickpea), rapeseed and mustard, barley.
- Northern states: Wheat, gram, rapeseed and mustard, barley.
- Southern states: Rice, maize, ragi, groundnut, jowar.
Zaid Season (April–June)
Zaid is a short-duration summer cropping season that begins after the harvesting of rabi crops. It relies on irrigated land because this period falls between the winter and the full onset of the monsoon.
- Major crops: Watermelons, cucumbers, vegetables, and fodder crops.
- Northern states: Vegetables, fruits, fodder.
- Southern states: Rice, vegetables, fodder.
The three-season distinction does not apply to southern India. In the south, temperatures are high enough to grow tropical crops at any time of the year, as long as soil moisture is sufficient. Therefore, the same crop can be grown three times in a single agricultural year in that region.
Summary Table of Cropping Seasons
| Cropping Season | Duration | Major Crops (Northern States) | Major Crops (Southern States) | …
| Cropping Season | Major Crops Cultivated — Northern States | Major Crops Cultivated — Southern States |
|---|---|---|
| Kharif (June-September) | Rice, Cotton, Bajra, Maize, Jowar, Tur | Rice, Maize, Ragi, Jowar, Groundnut |
| Rabi (October – March) | Wheat, Gram, Rapeseeds and Mustard, Barley | Rice, Maize, Ragi, Groundnut, Jowar |