Question

Distinguish between Rabi and Kharif Crops

Answer 1

Explanation:

Kharif Crops

All crops do not grow in the same season. Different crops have specific requirements and suitable climatic conditions. Based on the climatic conditions, crops in India are broadly classified into two categories:

Kharif crops

Rabi crops

Let us have a detailed look at what are Kharif and rabi crops, their examples and difference between the two.

Kharif Crops

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

Also Read: Agricultural Practices

Rabi Crops

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

However, it is of utmost importance for all to know the difference between Rabi and Kharif crops, as the prices of grains and vegetables depend on the yield of these two. Let us have a look at a few differences between Rabi and Kharif crops below in a tabular column.

Differences Between Rabi and Kharif Crops

Following are the important differences between Rabi and Kharif crops:

Kharif Crop Rabi Crop

Sowing Season

Kharif crops are sown early-May – usually at the beginning of the first monsoon rains Rabi crops are sown around mid-November – preferably after the monsoon rains

Also known as

Monsoon crops/ Autumn Crops Winter crops

Rainfall Pattern

Crops are drastically affected – too little or too much rainfall can lay waste to the efforts Generally not affected (however, rain in winter can potentially spoil rabi crops)

Essential Factors

Requires hot weather and a large amount of water to grow. Requires warm climate for seed germination and cold climate to grow.

Harvesting Months

Usually between October and November (Please note – exact harvesting season varies according to the crops and region) Generally between April and May (please note – exact harvesting season varies according to the crops and region)

Examples

Cotton, groundnut, maize and rice are examples of Kharif crops. Barley, gram, peas and wheat are examples of Rabi crops.

Term Origins/ Etymology

“Kharif” translates to “autumn season” in Arabic “Rabi” translates to “spring season” in Arabic

Answer 2

Answer:

Rabi crops are sown at the end of monsoon or the beginning of winter. They are also known as winter crops. Kharif crops are sown at the beginning of the rainy season and are also known as monsoon crops.

Explanation: