Kharif Season Months in India: Importance, Crop Grown and Contributing Factors
Table of Content
- Introduction
- Kharif Season Months in India
- Importance of Kharif Season Months in India
- Crops Grown during Kharif Season
- Contributing Factors to Kharif Season
- Conclusion
Introduction
India is a land of agriculture. More than 50 per cent of India’s population depends on agriculture to earn their livelihood. Agriculture is practised throughout the year in the country. The two major agriculture seasons in India are Kharif and Rabi seasons. The Kharif season period is one of the most important seasons for farmers in India. It is the period when farmers sow their crops and hope for a good yield. In this blog, we will discuss the Kharif season months in India, its importance, crops grown, and contributing factors.
Kharif Season Months in India
The Kharif crop season months in India is an essential time for farmers and India's agriculture sector. It is the primary growing season, and the Kharif crop season months in India lasts from June to October, coinciding with the monsoon season. Let us look at month wise progress of this season and the crops grown during these months.
June
The Kharif season begins in June when the monsoon rains arrive along the Kerala coast in South India. So, we can say that Kharif crops in India starts from June. Farmers start the tillage activities, that is, preparing their fields for sowing and begin ploughing and levelling the land. Some of the farm implements used are MB plough, Cultivator, Power Harrow, etc.
The first crop to be sown during this month is rice, which requires a large amount of water. Other crops that are sown during June include maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, and pulses like moong and urad.
July
July is the peak month of the monsoon season, and heavy rainfall is experienced in most parts of the country. This month is crucial for the growth of crops as it provides the required moisture to the soil. Farmers continue to sow crops during this month, including soybean, pigeon pea, and ground nut. Vegetables like brinjal, okra, and pumpkin are also sown during this month.
August
In August, the monsoon season starts to weaken, and the rainfall becomes less frequent. However, the soil still retains enough moisture, which is essential for the growth of crops. Some Kharif crops are grown in this season also, like rice, jowar, bajra, and pulses. Sugarcane and turmeric are also planted during this month.
September
September is the last month of the Kharif season, and the rainfall reduces significantly during this month. The crops that are sown during this month require less water. These include maize, jowar, bajra, and pulses like moong and urad. Cotton, ground nut, and soybean are harvested during this month, and the rice crop starts to mature.
October
October marks the end of the Kharif season in India. The crops that were sown during the previous months start to mature, and farmers begin the process of harvesting with the help of self-propelled harvesters, and tractor-mounted harvesters.
Rice is the main crop that is harvested during this month, along with other crops like maize, jowar, bajra, and pulses. These crops are either harvested with the help of paddy harvesters or multi-crop harvesters.
Sugarcane is also harvested during this month with the help of sugarcane harvesters, and the harvested crops are sold in the market.
Importance of Kharif Season Months in India
The Kharif season in India is the primary period of crop cultivation that takes place during the monsoon season, from June to October. It is an essential time for farmers as they depend on the yield from the crops for their livelihood. The Kharif season is crucial to the Indian economy and plays a critical role in the country's food security. The importance of the Kharif season months in India is listed below:
Major Food Grain Production
The Kharif season is the primary season for food grain production in India. The crops grown in this season have a significant share of the country's food grains, and any decline in their production can lead to a shortage of food in the country.
Food grain production during the Kharif season is essential to feed the growing population in the country.
Employment Opportunities
The Kharif season is a significant source of employment for rural areas in India. The cultivation of crops during this season requires a large workforce, and it provides employment opportunities to farmers and labourers. The labourers work in the fields during the sowing, weeding, and harvesting of crops.
The employment generated during the Kharif season helps to lessen poverty in rural areas and provides income to people who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Economic Contribution
The Kharif season has a significant contribution to the Indian economy. The production of crops during this season generates income for farmers and provides raw materials for the food processing industry.
The food processing industry contributes to the country's GDP and provides employment opportunities in urban areas.
The Kharif season also contributes to the foreign exchange earnings of the country, as India is a significant exporter of food grains.
Balancing Agricultural Production
The Kharif season helps to balance the agricultural production of the country. India has two major seasons of crop cultivation, Kharif and Rabi seasons.
The Kharif season produces crops that are predominantly rain-fed, while the Rabi season is irrigated. This allows farmers to balance their agricultural production and minimizes the possibility of crop failure due to weather conditions.
Promotes Crop Diversity
The Kharif season promotes crop diversity in India. Farmers grow a variety of crops during this season, including food grains, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables. The cultivation of a variety of crops during the Kharif season helps to promote food security and decreases the chances of crop failure due to pests and diseases.
Conservation of Biodiversity
The Kharif season helps to conserve biodiversity in India. Farmers practice traditional methods of agriculture during this season, such as mixed cropping and intercropping.
These practices help to maintain the fertility of the soil, reduce pest and disease infestation, and conserve the diversity of plant species. The conservation of biodiversity is crucial to maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
Crops Grown during Kharif Season
Several Kharif crops are sown in India during the Kharif season. Some of the essential crops are:
- Rice: Rice is the primary crop grown during the Kharif season in India. It is sown and harvested in almost all parts of the country and is a staple food for a significant population.
- Maize: Maize is another essential crop grown during the Kharif season in India. It is used for both human consumption and animal feed.
- Millets: Millets, such as bajra and jowar, are also grown during the Kharif season. They are used as food grains and are also fed to cattle.
- Pulses: Pulses, such as moong, urad, and arhar, are also grown during the Kharif season. They are a significant source of protein in the Indian diet.
- Oilseeds: Oilseeds, such as groundnut and sesame, are also grown during the Kharif season. They are used for production of oil, which is an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine.
Contributing Factors to Kharif Season
There are several factors contributing to the success or failure of the Kharif season in India. Some of these factors are:
- Monsoon: The Kharif season in India is heavily dependent on the monsoon rains. The timely arrival and adequate distribution of rainfall are essential for a good crop yield.
- Soil Quality: The quality of soil also plays a critical role in the success of the Kharif season. The soil should be fertile and have adequate moisture content for the crops to grow.
- Irrigation Facilities: In areas where the monsoon rains are not sufficient, irrigation facilities play a crucial role in crop cultivation. Adequate irrigation facilities ensure that the crops receive sufficient water for their growth.
- Availability of Seeds: The availability of quality seeds is also essential for a good yield during the Kharif season. Farmers should have access to high-quality seeds that are resistant to pests and diseases.
- Pest Control: Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to crop during the Kharif season. Farmers should take appropriate measures to control pests and diseases to ensure a good yield.
Conclusion
Kharif season is a crucial period for agriculture in India. It is the time when farmers sow their crops, and a good yield during this season ensures the availability of food grains throughout the year. Moreover, the Kharif season is essential for the rural economy as it provides employment to millions of people.
We hope we are able to provide all the information regarding the Kharif season months and Kharif season crops in India. If you want to learn more about the different crop seasons in India, stay tuned with Tractorkarvan.
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