Weather & the Three Cropping Seasons
Kharif (Jun-Nov): Monsoon-dependent. A timely, well-distributed monsoon is critical for rice, cotton, soybean, maize and pulses. Watch for dry spells (irrigate) and excess rain (drainage, fungal disease control).
Rabi (Oct-Mar): Winter crops like wheat, mustard and gram need cool weather. Watch for unseasonal rain and hailstorms at harvest (Feb-Mar), which damage standing wheat, and for frost which harms vegetables and gram.
Zaid (Mar-Jun): Summer crops (watermelon, muskmelon, vegetables, fodder) need irrigation and protection from extreme heat.
💡 Tip: Never spray pesticides if rain is expected within 24 hours - it washes off the chemical and wastes money. Check the forecast first.