| Feature | Kharif | Rabi | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Monsoon (Rainy) | Winter | | Sowing | Start of Rain | Start of Winter | | Water Needs | High | Low to Moderate | | Major Crop | Rice | Wheat |
While Kharif and Rabi dominate the calendar, there is a short season between March and June known as . During this brief window, farmers grow fast-maturing crops like watermelon, cucumber, and fodder crops to keep the land productive before the next monsoon arrives. Why the Distinction Matters rabi crops and kharif crops
: They are sown in winter, typically from October to December , and harvested in summer from April to June . | Feature | Kharif | Rabi | |
October – November (With the retreat of the monsoon). Harvest Time: March – April. October – November (With the retreat of the monsoon)