Agricultural Practices

Agricultural Practices

Agriculture has always been the backbone of our country’s economy. Ever since the Green Revolution, we have been cultivating different types of crops to cater the increasing demand. In our country the following three categories of crops are grown.

Kharif Crops

The crops which are sown in the rainy season (i.e., from June to September) are called kharif crops. Paddy, maize, soya bean, groundnut and cotton are kharif crops.

Rabi Crops

The crops grown in winter season (i.e., from October to March) are called rabi crops. Examples of rabi crops are wheat, gram, pea, mustard, linseed.

Zaid Crops (Summer Crops)

The crops which are grown in summer season are called zaid crops. Muskmelon, watermelon and cucumber are examples for zaid crops.

According to utility, crops are classified as below.

Food crops

Paddy and maize are cultivated for human consumption.

Fodder crops

These are useful for livestock consumption. E.g. Sorghum, millets

Fibre crops

These crops are used for cordage and textile. E.g. Cotton and hemp

Oil crops

Oil crops are useful in a large scale for consumption or industrial uses. E.g. Ground nut and sesame.

Ornamental crops

These are utilized for landscape gardening. E.g- Croton and Bougainvillea.

Our country is the largest producer of bananas and mangoes in the world. It is also the second largest producer of wheat and rice.

Activity 1

Mention few examples for Kharif, Rabi and Zaid crops cultivated in your area.