Explanation: There are three distinct crop seasons in the northern and interior parts of country, namely kharif, rabi and zaid.

• The kharif season largely coincides with Southwest Monsoon under which the cultivation of tropical crops, such as rice, cotton, jute, jowar, bajra and tur is possible.
• The rabi season begins with the onset of winter in October-November and ends in March-April.
• The low temperature conditions during this season facilitate the cultivation of temperate and subtropical crops such as wheat, gram and mustard.
• Zaid is a short duration summer cropping season beginning after harvesting of rabi crops.
• The cultivation of watermelons, cucumbers, vegetables and fodder crops during this season is done on irrigated lands.

Source: NCERT – India People & Economy