Kharif crops are grown in the monsoon season (June–October), while Rabi crops are grown in winter (November–April). They differ in sowing time, water needs and examples like rice (Kharif) and wheat (Rabi). This updated 2026 guide explains the meaning of Kharif and Rabi crops, their seasons, examples and key differences so farmers can choose the right crop at the right time and protect their harvest.
Rabi Crops Are Grown in Which Season?
Rabi crops are grown in the winter season. They are usually sown from October to December and harvested from March to April (months can vary by crop and region).
Kharif vs Rabi Crops at a Glance (2026)
| Aspect | Kharif Crops | Rabi Crops |
| Sowing Time | June – July | October – December |
| Harvesting Time | September – October | March – April |
| Water Needs | High (rain-fed) | Moderate to low (irrigated) |
| Climatic Preference | Warm, humid | Cool, dry |
| Examples | Rice, maize, cotton | Wheat, mustard, gram |
| Storage Needs | Drying is essential | Less moisture risk |
| Insurance Focus | Monsoon-related risks | Cold/dry weather-related risks |
Kharif season and Rabi season months (India)
| Season | Typical sowing months | Typical harvest months |
|---|---|---|
| Kharif | Jun–Jul | Sep–Oct |
| Rabi | Oct–Nov/Dec | Mar–Apr |
Note: months can vary slightly by crop and region.
What Are Kharif and Rabi Crops? Meaning Explained
Kharif Crops Examples (List for Farmers)
Paddy (rice), maize, cotton, millets (bajra/jowar), groundnut, soybean, tur (arhar), urad, moong, sugarcane.
Rabi Crops Examples (List for Farmers)
Wheat, barley, mustard, peas, gram (chickpea), lentil (masoor), oats, and region-specific vegetables in some areas.
What are Kharif and Rabi crops in India?
Kharif and Rabi refer to India’s two main cropping seasons. Kharif crops are usually grown with the arrival of the monsoon, while Rabi crops are grown after the monsoon in winter. Understanding these seasons helps farmers plan sowing, irrigation, harvest, storage and crop protection.
Understanding the farming season in India helps farmers plan better and choose suitable crops for their region.
Kharif is also commonly called “Kharif fasal”
Kharif crops: season months, sowing and harvesting time
- Sowing Time: With the arrival of the southwest monsoon, typically June-July
- Harvesting Time: September to October
- Examples: Paddy (rice), maize, cotton, millets, groundnut, soybean, and pulses like urad and moong
Rabi season months: sowing and harvesting time (India)
- Sowing Time: After the monsoon ends, generally from October to December
- Harvesting Time: March to April
- Examples: Wheat, barley, mustard, peas, chickpeas (gram), oats, etc.
Difference between Kharif and Rabi crops
The biggest difference between Kharif and Rabi crops lies in their relationship with rainfall and temperature.
1. Climate needs : Kharif and Rabi crops
Kharif Crops:
- Thrive on monsoon rainfall
- Require warm and humid weather
- Susceptible to both too much and too little rain
- Irrigation is often unnecessary where rainfall is adequate
Rabi Crops
- Grow in cooler, drier climates
- Depend more on irrigation systems
- Cannot tolerate heavy rain during flowering or maturity
- Need clear, sunny weather for best results
2. Water requirements for Kharif and Rabi crops
Kharif crops
Rabi crops
3. Soil Preparation Tips for Crop Seasons
For Kharif crops:
- Soil should be well-drained to avoid waterlogging
- Organic matter retention is crucial
- Fertiliser use depends on rainwater leaching—excessive rain can wash away nutrients
For Rabi crops:
- Soil should have good moisture retention
- Often grown in loamy or clayey soils
- Fertiliser application can be more controlled and effective due to stable weather
4. Common Pests in Farming Seasons
Kharif and Rabi crops face different pest threats and knowing them can help farmers take preventive measures.
Kharif crops are vulnerable to pests like stem borers, armyworms, and aphids, particularly due to the high humidity. Common issues include:
- Stem borers in paddy
- Leaf spot diseases in groundnut
- Root rot and wilting in cotton
Rabi crops face threats from aphids, pod borers, and fungal diseases, especially when winter is prolonged. Common issues include:
- Aphid attacks in mustard and wheat
- Pod borers in gram
- Rust and powdery mildew in wheat
5. Market Trends for Kharif and Rabi Crops
- Kharif crops often face price fluctuations due to oversupply or poor post-harvest storage conditions during monsoons.
- Rabi crops such as wheat and mustard typically receive strong government procurement support and may offer better price stability.
Staggered sowing and diversification can help farmers spread risk and take advantage of changing market dynamics.
6. Post-Harvest Tips for Kharif and Rabi Crops
- Kharif produce must be dried thoroughly before storage to avoid fungal growth.
- Rabi harvests enjoy drier weather, making storage easier, though care must still be taken to avoid pest infestations.
7. Crop Insurance for Farming Seasons
Both Kharif and Rabi crops are prone to different perils. Understanding these risks allows farmers to choose the right crop insurance cover.
At Kshema General Insurance, we offer flexible and season-specific crop insurance policies like Kshema Sukriti, which allow farmers to:
- Choose the perils most relevant to their region and season
- Get covered for more than 100 crops
- Protect against risks like hailstorms, earthquakes, and more
- Pay only for the protection they need
For instance, a farmer growing paddy in the kharif season may want protection from flooding or inundation, while a wheat farmer in rabi may prefer coverage against hailstorm during harvest.
Learn more about Kharif crop soil preparation and best Rabi crops for 2025. To safeguard your harvest, explore Kshema Sukriti and Prakriti crop insurance plans—customized for seasonal risks and available through the Kshema App.
Trusted References:
- According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India (https://agricoop.gov.in/), Kharif crops are grown during the monsoon season, while Rabi crops are grown in the winter season in India.
- The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) official portal (https://pmfby.gov.in) provides complete details on seasonal crop insurance coverage for both Kharif and Rabi crops in India.
FAQs About Kharif and Rabi Crops
1. What are Kharif crops?
Kharif crops are grown during the monsoon season from June to October.
2. What are Rabi crops?
Rabi crops are grown in winter, sown after monsoon and harvested in spring.
3. Give examples of Kharif crops?
Rice, maize, cotton, millets, groundnut, soybean, tur, urad and moong.
4. Give examples of Rabi crops?
Wheat, barley, mustard, peas, gram, lentil and winter vegetables.
5. Wheat is Rabi or Kharif?
Wheat is a Rabi crop grown in winter.
6. Rice is Rabi or Kharif?
Rice is mainly a Kharif crop grown during monsoon.
7. Why is crop season important for insurance?
Season affects rainfall, temperature and risks, so insurance must match crop season.
8. What is the main difference between Kharif and Rabi crops?
Kharif crops depend on monsoon; Rabi crops grow in cooler winter conditions.
Summary:
Kharif and rabi crops differ by season, climate and water needs. Understanding these differences helps farmers improve planning and avoid crop insurance issues.
