Uttar Pradesh leads in total Kharif production, followed by West Bengal (for rice) and Punjab (for paddy and cotton).

Unlike winter (Rabi) crops, Kharif crops are highly dependent on the quantity and timing of monsoon rains Etymology: The word "Kharif" comes from Arabic, meaning referring to the season in which they are reaped. Common Examples Kharif crops are diverse and categorised by their use:

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Heavy rains promote weed growth. Farmers must manually weed or use herbicides.

“The monsoon rain!” said Bauji. “In June, when the first fat drops hit the earth, we farmers sow these seeds. The rain waters them, the heat makes them strong, and they dance and grow all through July and August. By September and October, as the weather cools towards autumn, they are ready to harvest.”

While the term "Kharif" is specific to the Indian subcontinent, the concept exists globally:

| Season | Sowing Period | Harvesting Period | Dependent on | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | June–July (Monsoon start) | September–October | Monsoon rains | Rice, Cotton, Maize | | Rabi | October–December (Winter) | March–April | Irrigation (winter dry) | Wheat, Gram, Mustard | | Zaid | March–June (Summer) | June–July | Short duration heat | Watermelon, Cucumber |