Points to Remember:
- Kharif crops are sown at the beginning of the monsoon season (June-July) and harvested in the autumn (September-October).
- The question requires factual knowledge about Kharif crops.
Introduction:
Kharif crops, also known as monsoon crops, are agricultural products cultivated in the rainy season. These crops depend heavily on monsoon rainfall for their growth and maturation. The timing of planting and harvesting is crucial and directly linked to the monsoon cycle. A significant portion of India’s agricultural output comes from Kharif crops, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops.
Body:
Identifying Kharif Crops:
The major Kharif crops in India include rice, maize, sorghum (jowar), bajra, groundnut, soybean, cotton, and several others. These crops thrive in warm and humid conditions provided by the monsoon.
Analyzing the Options:
Let’s examine each option provided in the question:
- (A) Jowar (Sorghum): Jowar is a major Kharif crop cultivated extensively in India, particularly in drought-prone regions.
- (B) Maize: Maize is another significant Kharif crop, widely grown across various parts of the country.
- (C) Groundnut: Groundnut (peanut) is also a prominent Kharif crop, known for its oil and protein content.
- (D) Wheat: Wheat is a rabi crop. Rabi crops are sown in the winter season (October-November) and harvested in the spring (March-April). They require cooler temperatures and less rainfall than Kharif crops. Wheat’s growth cycle is entirely different from Kharif crops.
Conclusion:
In summary, Jowar, Maize, and Groundnut are all Kharif crops, while Wheat is a Rabi crop. Therefore, the answer to the question “Which is not a Kharif crop?” is (D) Wheat. Understanding the difference between Kharif and Rabi cropping seasons is crucial for effective agricultural planning and resource management in India. Promoting diversification in cropping patterns, along with climate-resilient agricultural practices, is essential for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development in the country, respecting the natural cycles of the monsoon and ensuring optimal utilization of water resources.
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