MP Board · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: AgricultureDistinguish between Rabi and Kharif cropping seasons in India, giving four points of difference and examples of major crops grown in each season.

Difference Between Rabi and Kharif Cropping Seasons

\nIndia has three distinct cropping seasons: Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid. Rabi and Kharif are the two major staple agricultural seasons that dictate the agricultural calendar of the country. Understanding their differences is crucial for agricultural planning.

• Sowing and Harvesting Period:

  • Kharif Season: Crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon in June-July and harvested in September-October.
  • Rabi Season: Crops are sown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer from April to June.

• Climatic Requirements:

  • Kharif Season: Requires hot and wet weather, and an abundant supply of water during the growing period.
  • Rabi Season: Requires a warm climate for germination of seeds and maturation, and cold weather during growth.

• Source of Irrigation / Water:

  • Kharif Season: Highly dependent on the South-West monsoon rains for water supply.
  • Rabi Season: Relies heavily on winter western disturbances, rainfall, and planned irrigation facilities like canals and tubewells.

• Major Crops Grown:

  • Kharif Season: Paddy (rice), maize, jowar, bajra, tur (arhar), moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut, and soybean.
  • Rabi Season: Wheat, barley, peas, gram, and mustard.