Crops are plants of the same origin or kind which are cultivated or grown on a huge scale in one location. For optimum growth, every single crop needs specific climatic conditions. The main seasonal plants are classified into two broad categories: Kharif crops and Rabi crops. This article will give you all pertinent information about Kharif crops.

What Are Kharif Crops?

The monsoon season is the season during the year when farmers all over the world cultivate Kharif crops. Kharif is an Arabic term that first came into use in India with the increase of the Mughal Empire. Kharif crops, also widely recognized as monsoon crops, are those grown during the rainy season (June month to October month). Their seeds are sown at the start of the rainy season, and their crops are harvested at the end. Kharif crops are dependent on rainfall patterns. The quantity and timing of rains are the two most important factors which decides the Kharif crop result.

The sowing time varies across India depending on the entry of the monsoon, for example, in southern states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, seeds are generally sown towards the end of May, while in northern states such as Punjab and Haryana, seeds are sown in June.

Examples Of Kharif Crops-

Here are some examples of kharif crops.

Maize
Rice
Bajra
Cotton
Sorghum
Soybean

Types Of Kharif Crops-

Kharif crops are an important part of Indian agriculture. They help in providing people with vital nutrients and aid in the practice of sustainable agriculture.

Kharif Crops Are Divided Into Three Types: Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, and Tree Fruits. Field crops are grown for food, landscaping, or ornamental purposes. Horticultural crops, like flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables, are used for a variety of purposes. Citrus fruits, mangoes, apples, avocados, papayas, and so on are examples of tree fruits.

What Are The Characteristic Features Of Kharif Crops?

Following are some of the characteristics features of kharif crops.

After the monsoon season in May, the kharif crop season starts.

Harvesting took place between September and October.

Rainfall of 100 to 110 cm was required for these crops.

On loamy and alluvial soils, these crops grew.

Hot or warm weather is required for growth.

What Challenges Do Kharif Crops Face?

Kharif crops face the following challenges as they are grown during the rainy season:

Heavy or severe rainfall patterns can hinder crop development. Adequate water is needed, but excessive water may disrupt the development pattern.

Hailstorms can damage crops. Heavy hailstorms can bend or destroy crops, causing a loss. Hail storms have occurred at various times, resulting in damage to both half-grown and fully-grown crops.

The growth pattern is impacted by inappropriate weather. It may lead to larger or smaller grains, or it may affect crop quality.

What Is The Difference Between Kharif Crop And Rabi Crop?

The following are the key distinctions between Kharif crops and Rabi crops:

	Kharif Crop	Rabi Crop
Sowing Season	Kharif crops are sown in early May, typically at the start of the first monsoon rains.	Rabi crops are sown in mid-November, ideally after the monsoon rains.
Also Referred To As	Monsoon crops/ Autumn Crops	Winter crops
Rainfall Pattern	Crops are severely impacted; either too little or too much rainfall can devastate efforts.	Generally unaffected (rain in the winter, on the other hand, has the potential to spoil the rabi crops.).
Essential Factors	To grow, it needs hot weather and a lot of water.	A warm climate is required for seed germination and a cold climate is required to grow.
Harvesting Months	Commonly between the months of October and November (note that the exact harvesting season varies depending on the crops and region).	Usually, between April and May(note that exact harvesting season varies depending on the crops and region).
Examples	Cotton, groundnut, maize and rice	Barley, gram, peas and wheat