Kharif Season in India: Months, Major Crops & Contributing Factors

Table of Contents

• Kharif Season: Introduction & Meaning
• Status of Kharif Crops Production in India
• All about Kharif Season Months
• Which are the Popular Kharif Crops Grown in India?
• What is the Importance of the Kharif Season in India?
• What are the Factors Impacting Kharif Season Crops in India?

Kharif Season: Introduction & Meaning

Kharif word comes from the Arabic language, signifying autumn. The Kharif season is commonly referred to as the monsoon season. It usually starts in June and ends in October. The sowing of seeds is done at the beginning of the monsoon season. The timing of sowing varies according to regional climatic conditions and specific crop requirements. The main crops cultivated during the Kharif season include rice, bajra, maize, ragi, soybean, cotton, and peanuts. Also, ashwagandha cultivation is mainly done in the Kharif season.

Status of Kharif Crops Production in India

As per the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the total production of Kharif foodgrains is estimated to be 1541.87 LMT. The production of kharif crops in India is as follows:

All about Kharif Season Months

The Kharif season extends from June to October, aligning with the monsoon period.

• June marks the beginning of the Kharif season, when the monsoon arrives along the Kerala coast in Southern India. Tillage activities will commence this month, including land preparation for sowing, ploughing, and field levelling. The most popular crop grown this season is rice, which requires a lot of water for better growth. The other crops include maize, bajra, jowar, cotton, and pulses like urad and moong.  
• July is the peak of the monsoon season, when heavy rainfall occurs in most parts of the country. It is crucial for the growth of Kharif crops because it ensures the soil maintains the ideal moisture level. The major crops sown in this month include soybeans, groundnuts, pigeon peas, and others. Additionally, vegetables such as okra, brinjal, and pumpkin are also planted during this period.
• August is the time when monsoon begins to diminish, resulting in a decrease in rainfall frequency. Nevertheless, the necessary moisture content has already been preserved within the soil, which is essential for cultivating Kharif crops.   
• September marks the concluding month of the Kharif season, as the rainfall diminishes considerably. Crops sown in September necessitate less irrigation. Additionally, the rice crops begin to reach maturity during this period.
• October signifies the conclusion of the Kharif season in India. It is the designated period for harvesting crops that are sown during this season, as they reach maturity. Rice is the principal crop harvested in this month, alongside others such as bajra, maize, jowar, and pulses.

Which are the Popular Kharif Crops Grown in India?

The popular kharif crops grown in the monsoon season are rice, maize, soybean, cotton, sugarcane, and groundnuts.

• Rice is the most important crop grown during the Kharif season. Rice is a staple food for most people in the country. India ranks second among the top rice-producing countries in the world after China. Rice cultivation is done in almost all the states of India. However, most of the production comes from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.
• Maize is a versatile crop grown during the kharif season and can be used for human consumption and livestock feed. Most of the maize production is done in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar.
• Soybean is a protein-rich Kharif season crop that is used to produce soy milk, tofu, and other food items. Soybean cultivation is widely done in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• Cotton is a cash crop cultivated during the Kharif season. Cotton is widely used in the textile industry to produce clothes. The major cotton-producing states in India are Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
• Sugarcane is another cash crop widely cultivated during the Kharif season. However, it is a long-term, perennial crop that is usually harvested after one year. Sugarcane is a source of sugar and ethanol production. The popular sugarcane-producing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• Groundnuts are rich in protein and are widely used to produce peanut butter and other food items. The major groundnuts producing states in India are Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

What is the Importance of the Kharif Season in India?

The Kharif season is important in India due to key benefits like food security, employment creation, national economic growth, crop diversity, and healthy yields.

Food Security

Kharif is the primary season for food grain production in the country. The crops grown in this season have a major share of the country's total food grains, and any decline in the production of Kharif crops can lead to food shortages in the country.

Employment Creation

Crop cultivation offers a major employment source for rural areas in the country. Labour is needed in the field during sowing, weeding, and harvesting. Thus, it helps to reduce poverty and provides an income source for people who are totally dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

National Economic Growth

The Kharif season plays a major role in the Indian economy, as crop production during this season is the income source for farmers and is used as a raw material in the food processing industry. The food processing industry contributes to India's GDP and offers employment in urban regions. It also contributes to India's foreign exchange earnings, as India is a major exporter of food grains.

Crop Diversity

Kharif season promotes crop diversity in the country as farmers grow a wide variety of crops, such as food grains, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds. A variety of crop production during this season increases the food production in the country and maintains the nutrient content in the soil.

Healthy Yields

Kharif crops are cultivated using traditional farming methods, such as mixed farming and intercropping. It helps maintain soil fertility, minimises pest and disease infestation, and conserves the diversity of crop species.

What are the Factors Impacting Kharif Season Crops in India?

• Kharif crops are highly dependent on monsoon rains for growth. Monsoon onset and withdrawal impact the sowing schedule of crops. So, the timely arrival of the monsoon is important for better crop production. Cloudburst typically occurs during the monsoon, which can damage crops due to waterlogging and soil erosion.
• Better irrigation infrastructure in areas with low rainfall helps cultivate crops better. In the case of erratic rainfall, the availability of farm ponds, tubewells, and canals proves to fulfil the water requirements of crops. Appropriate irrigation facilities will provide sufficient water to the Kharif crops.
• The chances of crop damage due to pests and disease are high in the Kharif season due to rain. Thus, the farmers should take appropriate measures for pest control to ensure a good yield.
• A nationwide shortage of high-quality agricultural supplies exists. Many farmers do not have timely access to agricultural inputs, seeds, and fertilizers. This not only impacts the crop yields but also their quality.
• Kharif crops demand modern machinery and technologies for improved efficiency and productivity. Automated irrigation systems, drones, and precision farming help overcome issues of labour shortages and water scarcity. Limited access and costs related to modern machines may reduce yields and overall profitability.

You must have eaten rice, maize, soybeans, and groundnuts, haven't you? These are all the Kharif crops. The kharif season is a prosperous time for farmers in India. It is the season of monsoons and greenery. We hope you now have all the information related to the kharif season months, crops, and factors contributing to the success or failure of the kharif season in India.