To fully grasp why wheat cannot be grown as a kharif crop, it helps to understand the distinct differences between India's two primary cropping seasons. Rabi Crops (e.g., Wheat) Kharif Crops (e.g., Rice) Winter season. Monsoon/Summer season. Sowing Period October to December. June to July (with the onset of monsoon). Harvesting Period March to May. September to October. Climate Needed Cool climate for growth; warm climate for ripening. Hot and humid climate with heavy rainfall. Water Source Controlled irrigation, tube wells, or winter rain. Natural Southwest monsoon rains. Key Examples Wheat, barley, mustard, peas, gram. Paddy (rice), maize, cotton, soyabean, groundnut. Why Can't Wheat Be Grown as a Kharif Crop?
Wheat does not grow well in heavy, stagnant water. High monsoon rainfall can drown wheat seeds, rot the roots, and cause fungal diseases. Wheat thrives with moderate moisture. It requires around 50 cm to 100 cm of rainfall annually, distributed well across its growing period. Farmers fulfill most of this water requirement through groundwater or canal irrigation, supplemented by light winter rains. 3. Photoperiod (Day Length) wheat is rabi or kharif
As the weather warms up in the spring, the grain matures and is ready for harvest. Wheat vs. Kharif Crops: What’s the Difference? To fully grasp why wheat cannot be grown
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