How many crop seasons are observed in India? Name three crops cultivated during each crop season.

India observes three main crop seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid. The Kharif season extends from June-July to September-October, coinciding with the southwest monsoon, and includes crops like paddy (rice), maize, cotton, soybean, groundnut, and millets (bajra, jowar). The Rabi season runs from October-November to March-April during the winter months and includes crops such as wheat, gram (chickpea), pea, mustard, barley, and lentils. The Zaid season is a short summer season between Rabi and Kharif, typically from March to June, during which crops like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and some early-maturing vegetable varieties are cultivated.

These distinct cropping seasons have evolved based on India's diverse climatic patterns, with each season characterized by specific temperature, rainfall, and photoperiod conditions that suit different crop requirements. Kharif crops require warm, humid conditions with substantial rainfall, Rabi crops thrive in cooler temperatures with irrigation support, and Zaid crops are adapted to hot, dry conditions with assured irrigation. This multiple cropping system allows farmers to maximize land productivity throughout the year while managing resources efficiently and reducing risks through crop diversification.