Crop Production and Management (Class 8 Science)

1. Kharif Crops

• Sown in the rainy season (June to September).
• Require lots of water.
• Examples: Paddy (Rice), Maize, Soybean, Cotton.

2. Rabi Crops

• Sown in the winter season (October to March).
• Require less water and cold climate.
• Examples: Wheat, Gram, Pea, Mustard.

To produce a successful crop, a farmer follows these 7 sequential steps:

1. Preparation of Soil: Ploughing (tilling) to loosen the soil, allowing roots to breathe and water to seep in.
2. Sowing: Selecting good quality, healthy seeds and planting them at the right depth.
3. Adding Manure and Fertilizers: Supplying nutrients to the soil. Manure is natural/organic; fertilizers are chemical.
4. Irrigation: Supplying water to crops at regular intervals (Drip irrigation, Sprinkler systems).
5. Protection from Weeds: Removing unwanted wild plants (weeds) using weedicides or manual plucking.
6. Harvesting: Cutting the mature crop manually (sickle) or by machines (harvester).
7. Storage: Keeping the harvested grains safe from moisture, insects, and rats using silos or granaries.