Home AHC RO/ARO Agriculture, Commerce & Trade Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid Cropping SeasonsKharif, Rabi, and Zaid Cropping Seasons

Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid Cropping SeasonsKharif, Rabi, and Zaid Cropping Seasons

This topic covers India and Uttar Pradesh's agricultural cropping patterns categorized by seasonal monsoons and temperature variations. For the Allahabad High Court RO/ARO and UPPSC examinations, questions frequently target sowing/harvesting months, specific staple crops, and ...This topic covers India and Uttar Pradesh's agricultural cropping patterns categorized by seasonal monsoons and temperature variations. For the Allahabad High Court RO/ARO and UPPSC examinations, questions frequently target sowing/harvesting months, specific staple crops, and ...

Mediumमध्यम 60 min totalकुल 60 मिनट

Chronological Evolution of Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid Cropping Seasons

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Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid Cropping Seasons Core Study Notes

This topic covers India and Uttar Pradesh's agricultural cropping patterns categorized by seasonal monsoons and temperature variations. For the Allahabad High Court RO/ARO and UPPSC examinations, questions frequently target sowing/harvesting months, specific staple crops, and associated agro-climatic classifications.

Kharif Season (Monsoon Crops)

Crops sown with the onset of the southwest monsoon and harvested in autumn.

  • Sowing Period: June to July, coinciding with the arrival of the South-West Monsoon in India.
  • Harvesting Period: September to October, after the withdrawal of rains.
  • Major Crops: Paddy (Rice), Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad, Cotton, Jute, Groundnut, and Soybean.
  • Climatic Requirements: High temperature, high humidity, and substantial water requirements.
  • UP Context: Paddy and sugarcane are dominant Kharif crops in Uttar Pradesh, with heavy cultivation in the eastern and tarai regions.

Rabi Season (Winter Crops)

Crops sown with the onset of winter and harvested in summer.

  • Sowing Period: October to December, following the retreat of the monsoon.
  • Harvesting Period: April to June, prior to the onset of the rainy season.
  • Major Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram (Chana), Peas, Mustard, Linseed, and Potato.
  • Climatic Requirements: Warm weather required for germination/growth and bright sunshine for maturity.
  • Western Disturbances: Winter rain brought by Western Disturbances is highly beneficial for Rabi crop growth in North India and UP.

Zaid Season (Summer Crops)

Short-duration summer crops grown between Rabi harvest and Kharif sowing.

  • Sowing Period: March to April, immediately after harvesting Rabi crops.
  • Harvesting Period: June to July, before the monsoon fully sets in.
  • Major Crops: Watermelon, Musk melon, Cucumber, Vegetables (Cucurbits), and Fodder crops.
  • Irrigation Dependency: Highly dependent on artificial irrigation sources like tube wells and canals due to dry summer conditions.

Agro-Climatic Zones of UP

Uttar Pradesh is divided into specific agro-climatic zones influencing regional cropping patterns.

  • Total Zones in UP: The state is officially categorized into 9 distinct agro-climatic zones by the Planning Commission.
  • Bhabar and Tarai Zone: Known for high moisture, sugarcane, and paddy cultivation along the northern border.
  • Vindhyan Zone: Characterized by rocky terrain, lower irrigation, and cultivation of coarse grains (millets) and pulses.

Practice Zone: 50 Questions

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