In the Indian agricultural landscape, the diversity of climatic conditions allows for three distinct cropping seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid. These seasons are defined by the onset and retreat of the monsoon, temperature variations, and specific water requirements of different crops.
These cycles are essential for food security and economic stability in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
India’s farming calendar is divided into three primary segments based on the timing of sowing and harvesting.
| Season | Common Name | Sowing Period | Harvesting Period |
| Kharif | Monsoon Season | June – July | September – October |
| Rabi | Winter Season | October – December | April – June |
| Zaid | Summer Season | March – June | June – July |
1. Kharif Crops (Monsoon Crops)
The term “Kharif” is Arabic for “autumn,” referring to the time of harvest. These crops are sown with the arrival of the southwest monsoon.
- Climate: Requires hot, humid conditions and high rainfall (100–150 cm).
- Water Dependency: Highly dependent on the monsoon; yields fluctuate with rainfall variability.
- Soil: Thrives in loamy or alluvial soils that can retain moisture during the rains.
- Key Examples:
- Cereals: Rice (Paddy), Maize, Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Pearl Millet).
- Pulses: Moong (Green Gram), Urad (Black Gram), Tur (Red Gram/Pigeon Pea).
- Oilseeds: Soybean, Groundnut.
- Fiber:
2. Rabi Crops (Winter Crops)
“Rabi” means “spring” in Arabic, marking its harvest time. These crops are cultivated during the cooler months.
- Climate: Requires cooler temperatures (15°C–20°C) during growth and a warm, dry climate for ripening.
- Water Dependency: Requires less water than Kharif; depends on winter rains (western disturbances) or irrigation.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained loamy or alluvial soils that hold moisture post-monsoon.
- Key Examples:
- Cereals: Wheat, Barley, Oats.
- Pulses: Gram (Chickpea), Masoor (Lentils), Peas.
- Oilseeds: Mustard, Linseed, Sesame, Sunflower.
- Vegetables: Potato, Onion, Garlic, Cauliflower, Broccoli.
3. Zaid Crops (Summer Crops)
Zaid crops are short-duration “filler” crops grown in the transition period between Rabi and Kharif.
- Climate: Thrives in hot, dry weather with long daylight hours for flowering.
- Water Efficiency: These are often drought-resistant but require irrigation in extremely dry regions.
- Duration: Maturation is rapid, usually within 60 to 90 days.
- Key Examples:
- Fruits/Vegetables: Watermelon, Muskmelon, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Bitter Gourd.
- Pulses/Fodder: Moong, Urad (sometimes grown as Zaid), Guar (Cluster Beans).
Key Differences: Kharif vs. Rabi
| Feature | Kharif Crops | Rabi Crops |
| Growth Period | Shorter (90–150 days) | Longer (120–180 days) |
| Nutrient Need | High Nitrogen (rapid lush growth) | Balanced P and K (root and grain filling) |
| Pest Pressure | High (due to humid monsoon heat) | Lower (but prone to winter diseases) |
| Dominant Region | Southern and Eastern India | Northern and Western India |
UPSC Prelims Context: Trends and Data
UPSC often tests the “Area under Cultivation” and “Production Trends.” Based on the latest data for 2025-26:
- Rice remains the crop with the highest area under cultivation in India.
- Sugarcane is technically a long-duration crop that can span both seasons but is often categorized with Kharif due to its high water requirement.
- Oilseeds have seen a steady increase in area under the “Atmanirbhar Oilseeds Abhiyan.”
