What is 'Zaid'? Give examples

Zaid refers to a short cropping season in India that falls between the two main agricultural seasons—Rabi (winter) and Kharif (monsoon)—typically spanning from March to June during the hot summer months. Zaid crops are cultivated using irrigation since this period receives little to no rainfall and is characterized by high temperatures, making water availability the limiting factor for cultivation. These crops have short growing periods and are adapted to withstand warm weather conditions.

Common examples of Zaid crops include watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, bitter gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd, and early-maturing varieties of vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Some farmers also grow summer moong (green gram) and fodder crops during this season to maximize land use throughout the year. Zaid cultivation helps farmers generate additional income between major cropping seasons, improves overall farm productivity, and ensures better utilization of irrigation infrastructure, though it requires careful water management due to the season's high evapotranspiration rates.