Question

What are Kharif crops ? Give the name of the most important cereal plant of such crops. Briefly describe any three methods for cultivation of Kharif crops.

Answer 1

• Crops that are cultivated in monsoons i.e. between June to September are called Kharif crops or autumn crops. The Kharif crops include rice, maize, millet (bajra, ragi), lentils, soybean, groundnut, cotton, etc.
• The most important Kharif crop is rice. This is the staple food of the people living in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
• Methods of cultivation of Kharif crops:
  

There are many methods practised in India for the cultivation of Kharif crops. Given below are three common methods used by the farmers.

1. Broadcasting method: Seeds are sown or scattered by hand on a large area. It is the easiest method and requires less labour but its yields are also very less.
   
2. Drilling method: In this method, the land is first loosened using a plough. For this farmers either use oxen or tractors. After ploughing is done, seeds are sown.
   
3. Transplantation method: In this method, the seeds are first grown in nurseries where they germinate into seedlings. After 4-5 weeks the seedlings are uprooted and planted in the field which has already been prepared for the purpose. The entire process is done by hand and is, therefore, labour intensive. However, the method is more successful and gives the highest yields.