Difference Between Kharif And Rabi Crops

Crops are plants which farmers grow on a massive scale which are of different kinds. They need a favourable climate for growing. Thus, there are different crops which require different seasons in order to grow. Similarly, the crops divide into types of Kharif and Rabi. However, there is a third type too known as Zaid crops. But, for now, we will focus on the difference between Kharif and rabi crops. These crops divide on the season they grow in. Moreover, the Asian countries majorly follow this pattern of growing crops. Some examples of Kharif crops are Jowar, Bajra, Maize, etc whereas Kharif crops are wheat, gram, barley, etc. This article will help you in getting a better understanding of their differences and meaning.

Definition of Kharif Crops

The main season of growing Kharif crops is the monsoon. Thus, it takes place between June and October. It is also the reason why Kharif Crops are also called Monsoon crops. However, a major difference between Kharif and rabi crops is that the former does not need too much water for growing.

As a result, the farmers sow these crops at the beginning of monsoon only. On the other hand, these crops are harvested at September’s end or in October. Not to forget, these Kharif crops depend on the pattern of the rainfall as well as timing heavily.

It is one of the main reasons why farmers in some of the regions sow them earlier than the other states. In other words, all depends on the arrival of the rainy season. Examples of Kharif crops are Bajra, Cotton, Rice, Pulses etc.

Definition of Rabi Crops

The main season of growing the Rabi crops is during winters. As a result, we also call them Winter crops. Thus, the months in which they are grown in is between October and March.

Another interesting fact to know is that the meaning of ‘Rabi’ is spring. So, it is obvious that the farmers harvest these crop during the season of Spring. As we stated before, these crops need water in abundance for growing properly.

Consequently, routine water irrigation helps these crops to grow abundantly. Some examples of Rabi crops are Gram, Wheat, Cumin, Pulses, Rapeseed, Barley, Mustard and more.

Difference between Kharif And Rabi Crops

Important Difference between Kharif And Rabi Crops

Basis of Comparison	Kharif Crops	Rabi Crops
Another Name	Monsoon or Autumn Crops	Winter crops
Sowing Season	Early May- beginning of the first monsoon rains	Mid-November- After the monsoon rains
Rainfall	Has a huge impact	Does not that great of an impact
Requirements	Hot weather and water in abundance	Warm climate for germination and cold climate for growth
Harvesting Months	Between September and October	Between March and April
Etymology	Autumn season in Arabic	Spring season in Arabic
Flowering	Requires a short day length	Requires a long day length
Example	Bajra, Groundnut, Bajra, Maize and more	Mustard, Coriander, Wheat, Cumin and more

More details about Kharif Crops

Let us take a look at some of the major Kharif crops. Firstly, the most common example is rice. It is also one of the most important agricultural crops in India as well as a staple food.

India is the second-largest producer of rice all over the world. Another important Kharif crop is Maize. In fact, India is quite a big producer of Maize.

More details about Rabi Crops

Wheat is a Rabi crop which brings a massive amount of agricultural income for India. Moreover, it is also the second-largest producer globally.

Similarly, Mustard is also a Rabi crop which many households in India use for cooking. They need a dry and cool climate for growing. The state with the largest production of this crop is Uttar Pradesh which is followed by Rajasthan.

FAQs about Difference Between Kharif And Rabi Crops

Question 1: What is the difference between Kharif and Rabi crops in terms of factors they require for growing?

Answer 1: Kharif crops require hot weather and water in abundance. On the other hand, the rabi crops need warm climate for seed germination and cold climate for growth.

Question 2: State the different types of crops?

Answer 2: The different types of crops are Kharif crops, Rabi crops, Zaid crops, Food crops and Cash crops.