Kharif season
- Sowing: June–July with the south-west monsoon; harvest: September–October.
- Examples: paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, urad, soybean, groundnut, cotton.
Rabi season
- Sowing: October–December; harvest: March–April.
- Needs cool weather for growth and warmth at ripening.
- Examples: wheat, barley, gram (chana), mustard, lentil (masur), peas.
Zaid season
- Short summer season between rabi and kharif (roughly March–June), mostly with irrigation.
- Examples: watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, summer moong and fodder crops.
Why it matters
The Government of India announces Minimum Support Prices separately for kharif and rabi crops, and PMFBY crop insurance has different premium rates and cut-off dates for each season.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Agmarknet (official mandi prices) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Is wheat a rabi or kharif crop?
Rabi.
Is paddy a rabi or kharif crop?
Mainly kharif, though rabi/summer paddy is grown in some irrigated areas.
What is the zaid season?
A short summer season between rabi and kharif for crops like watermelon, cucumber and summer moong.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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