The Kharif cropping season starts with the onset of the Indian subcontinent’s monsoon. Kharif crops are typically sown at the beginning of the first monsoon rains (depends on region to region). Harvesting season begins from the 3rd week of September to October (the exact harvesting dates differ from region to region).

Unlike Rabi crops, Kharif crops require good rainfall. The output of these crops depends upon the time and amount of rainwater. Paddy, maize, bajra, jowar are a few of the Kharif crops grown in India.

Examples of Kharif Crops

Following are some of the examples of Kharif crops:

Rice

Maize

Sorghum

Bajra

Soybean

Cotton


Rabi crops are known as winter crops. They are grown in October or November. The crops are then harvested in spring. These crops require frequent irrigation because these are grown in dry areas. Wheat, gram, barley are some of the rabi crops grown in India.

Examples of Rabi Crops

Following are some of the examples of rabi crops:

Wheat

Barley

Oats

Pulses

Mustard

Linseed





Zaid crops refers to those which are not dependent on monsoon but are grown on irrigated lands during the period between Rabi and Kharif season. It is mainly grown during the months from March to June .

• Rabi crops or rabi harvest are agricultural crops that are sown in winter and harvested in the spring .
• Kharif crops or monsoon crops are domesticated plants like rice , which lasts from June to November depending on the area.
• Zaid crops are summer season crops. These crops are mainly grown in the summer season during a period called the "Zaid crop season."