Summer Crops: Profitable Farming for Farmers

Summer Crops (Zaid Crops) are those cultivated between the Rabi and Kharif seasons, typically from March to June. These crops thrive in hot climates and require relatively less water, making them highly suitable in the current scenario of climate change and erratic monsoons. As a result, more farmers are now turning to summer crops, which not only bring higher profits but also help in enhancing soil productivity.

Crops Grown During Summer

Summer crops are primarily categorized into oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, and fodder crops. Key summer crops include:

1. Pulse Crops

• Moong (Green Gram) – A short-duration crop that improves soil fertility and is widely preferred for its quick returns.
  
  
• Urad (Black Gram) – Grows well even in dry areas and is a rich source of protein.
  
  
• Chana (Chickpea) and Arhar (Pigeon Pea) – Highly nutritious and offer good returns to farmers.
  
  
  
  

2. Oilseed Crops

• Sesame (Til) – Requires less water and is highly profitable for farmers.
  
  
• Sunflower – A fast-growing crop important for oil production.
  
  
• Groundnut (Peanut) – Enhances soil fertility and is a valuable summer oilseed crop.
  
  

3. Vegetables and Other Crops

• Cucumber, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Bitter Gourd – These summer vegetables grow quickly and have high market demand.
  
  
• Watermelon and Muskmelon – Water-rich fruits that are in great demand during summer, offering good income opportunities.
  
  
• Fodder Crops (like Bajra and Jowar) – Essential for livestock and help maintain soil fertility.
  
  

Benefits of Summer Crops

• Additional Income Source – Apart from Rabi and Kharif crops, summer farming helps farmers earn extra income.
  
  
• Improved Soil Fertility – Pulses fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching its fertility.
  
  
• Low Water Requirement – These crops conserve water, making them ideal in water-scarce areas.
  
  
• Climate Adaptability – Summer crops offer a secure farming option amid changing weather patterns.
  
  
• Support for Multi-Cropping Systems – These crops allow year-round farming, ensuring maximum use of agricultural land.
  
  

Read More :

https://thefirstcritic.com/how-do-skills-based-programs-help-students-in-future-employability/

Academic Initiatives at Noida International University

Dr. Geeta A. Bhavani, Dean of the Agriculture Department at Noida International University, emphasized that students have undertaken several key initiatives to gain practical experience and develop skills related to summer crops. Under pilot projects on campus, students cultivated moong, sunflower, and cucumber on a small scale. Additionally, they educated local farmers about smart irrigation techniques and the benefits of organic farming.

Through experimental workshops and field visits organized by the university, students gained hands-on experience, motivating them to adopt innovation and advanced technologies in the agriculture sector.