Most Kharif crops take between 90 to 120 days to mature. They must complete their life cycle (germination, flowering, seeding) before the water recedes at the end of September.
These crops require substantial amounts of water throughout their vegetative growth stage. Regular rainfall or advanced irrigation systems are necessary to keep the soil adequately saturated. what is kharif crop
This article will dive deep into the definition, characteristics, examples, advantages, and economic importance of Kharif crops. Most Kharif crops take between 90 to 120 days to mature
The Kharif season is strictly dictated by the arrival and retreat of the southwest monsoon. The monsoon retreats
The monsoon retreats. The sky is clear. The crops turn golden brown (rice), yellow (soybean), or white (cotton). Farmers rush to harvest before the post-monsoon cyclones or early fog damage the crop. This season coincides with festivals like in Kerala and Bihu in Assam, celebrating the harvest.
While the rest of the world seeks shelter from the downpours, the Kharif crops— maize, cotton, soybean, and groundnut —are in their element. They drink up the 100–150 cm of rainfall needed to reach maturity.
Why do farmers rely on this system? The answer is largely economic and ecological.