Q. Consider the following crops:

  1. Cotton
  2. Groundnut
  3. Rice
  4. Wheat

Which of these are Kharif crops?

  • 1 and 4
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3
  • 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Notes:

  • Kharif Crops: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi, Arhar(Tur), Moong, Urad, Cotton, Groundnut, Sunflower Seed, Soybean Black, Sesamum, Nigerseed
  • Rabi crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Masur (Lentil), Rapeseed/Mustard, Safflower, Toria,
  • Other Crops: Copra, De-Husked Coconut, Jute, Sugarcane
  • Wheat
    • Second most important staple food for the Indian population. 
    • It is a rich source of calcium, thiamine, riboflavin and iron.
    • The preferred staple food in northern and north-western parts of the country. 
    • Climatic conditions for wheat 
      • Wheat is a temperate crop that requires a cool climate with moderate rainfall. 
      • It shows great adaptability & can be grown in tropics as well (yields are low in tropics). 
      • It is a rabi crop (winter crop – requires cool and less moist climate).
  • Groundnut
    • Groundnut is the most important oilseed in India.
    • It accounts for nearly half of the major oilseeds produced in India. 
    • Groundnut kernels are rich in proteins and vitamins and have high calorific value. 
    • It contains 40-50% oil which is used as edible oil or hydrogenated vanaspati. 
    • The oil is used for manufacturing margarine, medical emulsions, soap etc. 
    • Its oil cake is used as an important rich cattle feed. ​

Also read: Cropping Patterns in India