Crop Seasons

Activities referring to crops go on continuously throughout the year in India. In north India, there are two main crop seasons. These are ‘Kharif’ (July to October) and ‘Rabi’ (October to March). Crops grown between March and June are referred to as ‘Zaid’. In other parts of the country there are not any such distinct seasons but some kind of classification of crop seasons exists every where. The Kharif season is characterised by a gradual fall in temperature, larger number of rainy days, low candlepower , a gradual shortening of the photoperiod, high ratio ,

and cyclonic weather. On the opposite hand, bright sunshine, near absence of cloudy days, and lower ratio are the characteristics of the Rabi season. The Kharif season starts earlier within the eastern part of the country because of the earlier arrival of the monsoon and continues until the withdrawal of the monsoon. On the opposite hand, the Rabi season starts earlier within the western part and continues until the sun attains equatorial position. Thus, Kharif is longer within the eastern part and Rabi is longer in the western part.

There are several cropping patterns which are followed in India depending upon the climatic, edaphic, socio-economic conditions of the region. With a geographical area of about 329 Mha, stretching between 8°N and 36°N latitude and between 68°E and 98°E longitude, and its altitude varying from the mean water level to the highest mountain ranges of the world, India hosts a spread of flora and fauna in its soil with few parallels in the world. The country has an average annual rainfall of 1,143 mm which varies from 11,489 mm around Cherrapunji in Assam to 217 mm around Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. even as rainfall and temperature vary over a wide range, there's considerable difference in the socio-economic conditions of peasants of different parts of the country. thanks to the variation in soil-climatic conditions there exists considerable variation in crop genotypes. Considering the potential of foodgrain production in different parts of India, the country has been divided into the subsequent five agricultural regions (13):

(i) The eastern part including larger a part of the north-eastern and south-eastern India, and another strip along the western coast form the rice region of India.

(ii) The wheat region occupies most of northern, western, and central India.

(iii) The millet (bajra)–sorghum (jawar) region comprising Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Deccan plateau.

(iv) The Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh , and some adjoining areas in which potatoes, cereal crops (mainly maize and rice), and fruits are grown.

(v) The plantation crops (e.g. tea, coffee, rubber, and spices) are grown in Assam, hills of south India and peninsular region of India which form the plantation region.

Ideal Weather for Kharif and Rabi Seasons

At the top of May or beginning of June, there should be some rainfall in order that the fields can be ploughed. Towards the top of June, heavy rainfall is required for thorough wetting of the land. This must be followed by a period of clear sky for tillage and sowing operations. within the months of July and August, there should be periods of bright sunshine (not exceeding ten days) between two spells of rain. The weather within the month of September should be similar to that in July and August, but with less rainfall. some showers at the end of September are needed to prepare the land for Rabi crops.

The first requirement for a good Rabi crop is that the soil temperature should fall rapidly to germination temperature. During November and early December, clear days and funky weather are beneficial. Towards the top of December, a light-weight rainfall is useful. The winter rain must be broken by clear weather as continuous cloudy weather leads to widespread plant diseases. The rest of the Rabi season should be dry and free from hailstorms.