UPSC Preparation
Major Cropping Seasons in India
There are three main cropping seasons in India - Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid. To know the important facts
about these Indian cropping seasons is important from the IAS Exam perspective. Questions from this
topic can be asked in both Prelims and Mains GS-I. Read on about the cropping seasons, types of crops,
and the importance of agriculture for UPSC.
Facts about three cropping seasons in India
The important facts about the major cropping seasons of India are given in the tables below:
#Kharif Season
Major Cropping Season in India - Kharif
Some important Kharif Crops are:
Bajra
Jowar
What are the examples of
Maize (corn)
Kharif Crops?
Millet
Rice (paddy and deepwater rice)
Soyabean
What is meant by Kharif The cropping season in India that starts in June and ends in October where monsoon
Season? crops are cultivated and harvested.
#Rabi Season
Major Cropping Season in India - Rabi
Some important Rabi Crops are:
Barley
Gram
What are Rabi crops? Rapeseed
Examples. Mustard
Oat
Wheat
Bajra
Is Coffee a Rabi crop? No, Tea and Coffee are Kharif crops.
The season where crops are sown in mid-November and harvested in April/May is
What is a Rabi season?
called Rabi Season.
#Zaid Season
Major Cropping Season in India - Zaid
Some important Zaid Crops are:
Pumpkin
What are Zaid crops? Examples.
Cucumber
Bitter Gourd.
When Zaid crops are sown and Since the Zaid crops are also called summer crops, they are sown and harvested
harvested? between March and June.
Types of crops in India - Details
1. Kharif Crops
July - October
Harvest - September to October
A.k.a Monsoon Crops
Such crops require a lot of water
Example: rice, sorghum, maize, Tea, rubber, coffee, guar, Sesame, cereals such as Arhar Dhal, pearl
millet, soybeans, cotton, oilseeds, etc.
2. Rabi Crops
Sowing between October and November
Harvest - February to April
A.k.a Winter Season Crops
Need cold weather for growth
Need less water
Example: wheat, oats, barley, pulses, cereals, oilseeds, linseed, etc.
3. Zaid Crops
Sowing between March and June (between Kharif and Rabi)
Requires warm & dry weather for growth and a longer day-length for flowering
Example: Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Importance of Agriculture for UPSC prelims
Agriculture in India is an important topic in Indian geography. 49% of the population in India is
dependent on agriculture. In the total geographical area in India, 141 million hectares is the net sown
area while 195 million hectares is the gross cropped area.
Agriculture in India contributes to 14% of the GDP and the distribution of income and wealth. It
provides essential amenities like food for the people and fodder for the animals. It also provides a major
source of raw materials to the agro-based industries in India.
The vast relief of the country, varied climate, and soil conditions cause the provision of a variety of
crops. All tropical, subtropical and temperate crops are grown in India but predominantly food crops are
cultivated in 2/3rd of the total cropped area.
