When is the ideal sowing time for wheat and rice

The ideal sowing time for wheat and rice is highly dependent on the climate, the variety of the crop, and water availability. They are the primary crops of two different agricultural seasons.

Ideal Sowing Time for Wheat

Wheat is a temperate crop, generally grown in cooler, drier conditions. In major agricultural systems like India's, it is the primary Rabi Crop (winter crop).

• Rabi (Winter) Wheat: The ideal sowing time is from October to December. The crop grows through the cool winter months and is harvested in the spring (March to May).
• Spring Wheat: In other parts of the world (like North America and Europe), "spring wheat" is sown in the spring (March-May) and harvested in the late summer. "Winter wheat" is sown in the autumn (Sept-Nov) to overwinter.

Ideal Sowing Time for Rice

Rice is a tropical, water-intensive crop. In India, it is the main Kharif Crop (monsoon crop).

• Kharif (Monsoon) Rice: The primary sowing time (or transplanting time from nurseries) is at the onset of the monsoon season, typically from June to July. The crop requires the large amounts of water provided by the monsoon rains and is harvested in autumn (October-December).
• Other Rice Crops: In regions with sufficient irrigation, secondary (Rabi) or tertiary (Zaid/Boro) rice crops can be sown during other parts of the year, such as in the post-monsoon or summer seasons (e.g., Nov-Jan or March-May).