Kharif and Rabi Crops: A Comparative Analysis
Kharif and Rabi are the two major crop seasons in India, differing significantly in their growing conditions and requirements. Kharif crops like rice, maize, cotton, and groundnut are sown in June–July and harvested by September–October, thriving in warm, humid conditions with high rainfall, making them monsoon-dependent and dominant in East and South India.
In contrast, Rabi crops such as wheat, barley, mustard, and gram are sown in October–November and harvested in March–April. They require cool, dry temperatures with low to moderate rainfall and are heavily irrigation-dependent, dominating Northwest and Central India.
Thus, while Kharif crops rely on monsoon, Rabi crops depend on irrigation, reflecting India's diverse agricultural geography.
Source: Kharif and Rabi crops comparison table
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