Previous Year Question

Kharif crops are primarily associated with the south-west monsoon. They are generally sown with the arrival of the monsoon in June-July and harvested in September-October or later.

Cotton—a Kharif crop: Cotton is a long-duration commercial Kharif crop. It is generally sown around the arrival of monsoon rainfall. It requires adequate temperature during growth and comparatively dry weather during maturity and the opening of cotton bolls.

Groundnut—a Kharif crop: Groundnut is one of India’s principal oilseed crops, and a major part of it is cultivated during the Kharif season. It requires moisture during germination and vegetative growth and loose, well-drained soil for pod development.

Rice—a Kharif crop: Rice is predominantly a Kharif crop in India. High temperature, adequate water and humid conditions are suitable for it. In monsoon-dependent areas, it is generally transplanted during the rainy season.

Wheat—a Rabi crop: Wheat is generally sown at the beginning of winter in October-November and harvested in March-April. It requires cool weather during its initial growth and warm, dry weather during ripening. Wheat is therefore a Rabi crop, not a Kharif crop.

Because of regional climate and the availability of irrigation, certain crops such as rice or groundnut may also be grown in more than one season. However, under the standard Indian crop-season classification used in the question, cotton, groundnut and rice are Kharif crops, while wheat is a Rabi crop.