Cropping Seasons MCQs Quiz | Class 10
This quiz covers Class X Geography, specifically the Agriculture unit, focusing on Cropping Seasons. Test your knowledge on Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid crops. Complete the quiz and download your detailed answer PDF.
Understanding Cropping Seasons in India: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid
India’s diverse climate allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops throughout the year. These crops are broadly categorized into three main cropping seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid. Understanding these seasons is crucial for agricultural planning and food security in the country.
Kharif Season (Monsoon Crops)
The Kharif season coincides with the onset of the monsoon, typically from June to September. Crops grown during this period require a significant amount of water and warm temperatures. The success of Kharif crops heavily depends on the monsoon rainfall.
- Sowing Period: June – July (with the onset of monsoon)
- Harvesting Period: September – October
- Key Crops: Rice (paddy), maize, jowar, bajra, tur (arhar), moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut, soybean.
- Regions: Cultivated across most parts of India, particularly in states receiving heavy monsoon rainfall.
Rabi Season (Winter Crops)
The Rabi season begins with the onset of winter, generally from October to December. Crops grown in this season require a cooler climate during their growth period and are harvested in spring. These crops are often irrigated, but also benefit from winter rains.
- Sowing Period: October – December
- Harvesting Period: April – June
- Key Crops: Wheat, barley, peas, gram, mustard.
- Regions: Predominant in North and North-Western parts of India, such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Zaid Season (Summer Crops)
The Zaid season is a short cropping period that falls between the Rabi and Kharif seasons, typically from March to June. This season is characterized by hot and dry weather, and crops grown during this time often require irrigation.
- Sowing Period: March – April
- Harvesting Period: May – June
- Key Crops: Watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, vegetables, fodder crops. Some pulses like moong and urad are also grown during Zaid.
- Regions: Grown in areas with assured irrigation facilities.
Comparative Overview of Cropping Seasons
| Feature | Kharif | Rabi | Zaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Period | Monsoon (June-Sept) | Winter (Oct-March) | Summer (March-June) |
| Sowing | June-July | Oct-Dec | March-April |
| Harvesting | Sept-Oct | April-June | May-June |
| Key Crops | Rice, Maize, Cotton | Wheat, Barley, Mustard | Watermelon, Cucumber, Moong |
| Water Needs | High (Monsoon dependent) | Moderate (Winter rains/Irrigation) | Moderate (Irrigation dependent) |
Quick Revision Points:
- Kharif crops are monsoon crops, sown with the start of rains.
- Rabi crops are winter crops, sown during autumn/early winter.
- Zaid is a short summer crop season, primarily for fruits and vegetables.
- Rice is a major Kharif crop, while Wheat is a major Rabi crop.
- Pulses like moong and urad can be grown in both Kharif and Zaid seasons.
Practice Questions:
- Which of the following is NOT a Zaid crop?
- During which season are maize and jowar primarily cultivated?
- What is the main source of water for Kharif crops?
- Which states are major producers of Rabi crops like wheat?
- Between which two main cropping seasons does the Zaid season occur?
Content created and reviewed by the CBSE Quiz Editorial Team based on the latest NCERT textbooks and CBSE syllabus. Our goal is to help students practice concepts clearly, confidently, and exam-ready through well-structured MCQs and revision content.