What are Kharif and Rabi crops? Give examples.

Kharif crops are sown at the beginning of the monsoon (June-July) and harvested in September-October. They need warm temperature and plenty of rainfall. Examples: Rice, maize, cotton, jute, groundnut, soybean, bajra. Rabi crops are sown in October-November (after monsoon) and harvested in March-April. They need cool conditions during growth. Examples: Wheat, barley, gram (chickpea), mustard, peas. A third season, Zaid (March-June), grows crops like watermelon and cucumber.

Why is India's cotton called White Gold?

Cotton is called 'White Gold' because of its high economic value to farmers and the textile industry. Cotton is the most important fibre crop and the raw material for the textile industry — one of India's largest industries. India is the third largest producer of cotton after China and the USA. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab are major cotton-growing states. Cotton cultivation gives high monetary returns, hence the comparison to gold.

What is plantation farming?

Plantation farming is a type of commercial farming where a single cash crop is grown on a large estate or plantation. It requires large capital investment, skilled management, and scientific methods. The product is directly sent for processing or export. Examples: Tea plantations in Assam and West Bengal (Darjeeling), coffee in Karnataka (Coorg region), rubber in Kerala, spices in Kerala/Karnataka. These plantations were largely established during the British colonial period.

Types of Farming and Major Crops in India

Agriculture • Class 10 Social Science • NCERT • CBSE

India has three agricultural seasons: Kharif (June–September, monsoon crops like rice, maize, cotton), Rabi (October–March, winter crops like wheat, mustard, gram), and Zaid (summer, watermelon, cucumber). India is the largest producer of tea, jute, and pulses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Kharif and Rabi crops? Give examples.: Kharif crops are sown at the beginning of the monsoon (June-July) and harvested in September-October. They need warm temperature and plenty of rainfall. Examples: Rice, maize, cotton, jute, groundnut, soybean, bajra. Rabi crops are sown in October-November (after monsoon) and harvested in March-April. They need cool conditions during growth. Examples: Wheat, barley, gram (chickpea), mustard, peas. A third season, Zaid (March-June), grows crops like watermelon and cucumber.
Why is India's cotton called White Gold?: Cotton is called 'White Gold' because of its high economic value to farmers and the textile industry. Cotton is the most important fibre crop and the raw material for the textile industry — one of India's largest industries. India is the third largest producer of cotton after China and the USA. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab are major cotton-growing states. Cotton cultivation gives high monetary returns, hence the comparison to gold.
What is plantation farming?: Plantation farming is a type of commercial farming where a single cash crop is grown on a large estate or plantation. It requires large capital investment, skilled management, and scientific methods. The product is directly sent for processing or export. Examples: Tea plantations in Assam and West Bengal (Darjeeling), coffee in Karnataka (Coorg region), rubber in Kerala, spices in Kerala/Karnataka. These plantations were largely established during the British colonial period.

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