Rabi and Kharif Crops: List of Crops & Differences – UPSC Notes

Introduction

Agriculture forms the stronghold of the Indian economy and is one key aspect of the UPSC syllabus, especially General Studies Paper III and the optional papers mentioned, Geography and Agriculture. Division of crops on the basis of seasons during which these crops are cultivated is one of the basic divisions of crops in Indian agriculture - Rabi crops and Kharif crops. Such classification is essential to both types of questions in prelims and mains, based on current affairs and those based on static questions.

This comprehensive guide covers the definition, characteristics, major crops, examples, and key differences between Rabi and Kharif crops. It also highlights related government schemes, climate dependencies, cropping patterns, and regional variations relevant for UPSC exam preparation.

Download Key Takeaways on Rabi and Kharif Crops: List of Crops & Differences – UPSC Notes PDF

India’s agricultural calendar is divided primarily into three cropping seasons:

1. Rabi (Winter) Season
2. Kharif (Monsoon) Season
3. Zaid (Summer/Short) Season

Among these, Rabi and Kharif are the major cropping seasons. These terms come from the Arabic language:

• Rabi means "spring," referring to crops harvested in spring.
• Kharif means "autumn," referring to crops harvested at the start of winter.

Rabi Crops

Definition

Rabi crops are sown in winter (October to December) and harvested in spring (March to May). These crops require a cooler climate for growth and warm temperatures for harvesting.

Key Climatic Requirements

• Cool and dry climate during the growth phase
• Little to no rainfall during harvesting
• Irrigation is often required as monsoon moisture is limited

Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers with Answers PDF

Major Rabi Crops in India

Leading Rabi Crop Producing States

• Wheat: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh
• Barley: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
• Mustard: Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh

Government Schemes Supporting Rabi Crops

• PM-KISAN
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for wheat and pulses

Kharif Crops

Definition

Kharif crops come in with the onset of monsoon (June to July) and are harvested between September to October. These are crops which flourish under hot and humid conditions and rely much on rainfall.

Key Climatic Requirements

• Hot and humid climate
• Well-distributed and timely monsoon rainfall
• Susceptible to floods and waterlogging

Major Kharif Crops in India

Leading Kharif Crop Producing States

• Rice: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh
• Maize: Karnataka, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh
• Cotton: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana

Government Schemes Supporting Kharif Crops

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) system
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Zaid Crops (Supplementary Insight)

Although not a main category, Zaid crops are grown in the short season between Rabi and Kharif (March to June). These are mostly vegetables and fruits.

Major Zaid Crops

• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Muskmelon
• Fodder crops

Zaid crops require warm, dry weather and adequate irrigation.

Key Differences Between Rabi and Kharif Crops

Significance for Indian Economy

Contribution to GDP

There is around 17-18 per cent contribution of Agricultural sector to the GDP of India, besides helping in food security and generating jobs in the rural areas Rabi and Kharif crops contribute significantly in this process.

Employment Generation

• Over 50% of India’s workforce is dependent on agriculture.
• Seasonal cropping patterns create employment throughout the year.

Food Security

• Rabi crops like wheat and pulses are major sources of calories and protein.
• Kharif crops like rice form the staple diet of a large population.

Export Potential

• Crops like Basmati rice, cotton, and oilseeds are major export commodities.

Climate Change and Cropping Seasons

Climate change is impacting the conventional cropping trend:

Harvest is hampered by unseasonal rains, which destroy Rabi crops.

Monsoons are delayed, thereby affecting Kharif crops sowing.

Demand of climate-tolerant seeds and farming methods of adaptation.

Under schemes such as:

The government is undertaking climate-smart agriculture in the form of:

• National Adaptation Fund to climate Change (NAFCC)
• Soil health card scheme
• Organic Farming, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

Role of Technology in Rabi and Kharif Cultivation

Irrigation & Water Management

• Micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler) enhances Rabi crop productivity
• Rainwater harvesting for Kharif farming

Use of ICT

• Weather forecasts via mobile apps (Kisan Suvidha, Meghdoot)
• Satellite-based yield prediction

Farm Mechanization

• Mechanized sowing, harvesting, and storage increases efficiency

Government Policies & Institutions

MSP (Minimum Support Price)

• Announced twice a year for Rabi and Kharif crops
• Protects farmers from market volatility

Institutions Involved

• ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
• State Agricultural Universities
• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

UPSC Relevance and PYQs

It is important to know the details of Rabi and Kharif crops in UPSC Civil Services Examination. These are some of the past years questions so as to help you prepare:

UPSC Prelims 2020:

With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
2. Green gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 only

UPSC Prelims 2019:

With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last five years, consider the following statements:

1. Area under rice cultivation is the highest.
2. Area under the cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds.
3. Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane.
4. Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

UPSC Prelims 2013:

Consider the following crops:

1. Cotton
2. Groundnut
3. Rice
4. Wheat

Which of these are Kharif crops?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Conclusion

The study of Rabi and Kharif crop is a must in aspirants who are keen to shine in UPSC. These cropping periods do not merely establish the tempo in Indian agrarian economy but also vindicate social-economic conditions, policy planners, and climate adaptation. A subtle perception will enable one to understand the convergence between the environment, economy and governance in Indian developmental process.

We hope your doubts regarding the topic have been addressed after going through the above article. Testbook offers good-quality preparation material for different competitive examinations. Succeed in your UPSC IAS exam preparations by downloading the Testbook App here!