Question

State the reason why wheat is cultivated in Rabi season only?

Answer 1

Cropping seasons are considered to be of three seasons in India. First is the Rabi season during which the Northern states of India such as Punjab, Haryana, etc., cultivate the crops. The next is Kharif season during which states in South India and Eastern states of India cultivate the crops. The final season is the Zaid season during which most northern and north-western states cultivate the crops.

Complete answer:
Let us try to understand the Rabi season and the different crops grown in India during this season. Rabi crops are the crops that are sown in the months of October, November, and December. It is widely cultivated in the regions of Punjab, Haryana, and neighboring states. The crops are typically sown right after the rainy season has passed i.e., in the winter season. The different crops during this season are mustard, wheat, barley, oat, etc.
Now let us see the conditions required for wheat cultivation. Wheat grows very well in the temperature range of 15-20 degrees celsius. It requires very little rainfall and for that reason, it is grown in arid places with the help of irrigation facilities. The weather is supposed to be moist in the early stages hence it is sown in winter and in the later stage it is required to be dry and sunny but the temperature above 20-25 degrees celsius is not good for the growth of the crop.

For these reasons, wheat is considered to be a winter crop and is grown in the Rabi season.

Note:
It can be noted that if heavy rains occur in winters, it leads to the damaging of the Rabi crops. Wheat is the staple crop in North and North-West India as compared to rice in South India. The largest producer of wheat in India is UP, followed by Punjab and Haryana.