Origin and Geographical Distribution of Kharif Crops

Kharif crops are those that are sown during the monsoon season and harvested before or during the winter season. They are generally grown in regions with high rainfall and warm temperatures, usually in the months from June to September. Kharif crops play a significant role in ensuring food and economic security, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Below is a detailed explanation of the origin and geographical distribution of Kharif crops:

Rice (Oryza sativa)

Origin:

• Rice is believed to have been domesticated in Southeast Asia (particularly in the regions around the Yangtze River in China) around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.
• The second center of origin is India, where wild species of rice (Oryza nivara) and its related varieties were cultivated by ancient civilizations.

Geographical Distribution:

• Rice is grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
• In India, it is predominantly grown in the Eastern and Southern states such as West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, where the monsoon rains provide ideal conditions.
• Other major rice-producing countries are China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Maize (Zea mays)

Origin:

• Maize (or corn) was first domesticated in Central America (Mexico) around 7,000 to 10,000 years ago.
• It was introduced to Europe and other parts of the world during the Columbian exchange in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Geographical Distribution:

• Maize is widely grown in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates.
• In India, it is grown in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh during the Kharif season.
• Globally, maize is produced in USA, China, Brazil, Mexico, and India.

Cotton (Gossypium spp.)

Origin:

• Cotton is believed to have been independently domesticated in two regions: India and Pakistan (Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium herbaceum) and the Americas (Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense).
• Evidence suggests that cotton has been cultivated for over 5,000 years in the Indus Valley (modern-day Pakistan and northwest India).

Geographical Distribution:

• Cotton is primarily grown in tropical and subtropical regions with abundant sunshine.
• In India, it is grown in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
• Globally, the top producers of cotton are China, India, USA, and Brazil.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Origin:

• Sorghum is believed to have originated in Africa (specifically in the Sahel region of the Sahara) about 4,000-5,000 years ago.
• It spread to Asia and later to the Americas.

Geographical Distribution:

• Sorghum is adapted to semi-arid conditions and is typically grown in regions with low rainfall but sufficient moisture during the monsoon.
• In India, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan are major sorghum-growing states.
• Globally, sorghum is a staple crop in Africa, India, the United States, and Australia.

Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Origin:

• Pearl millet is believed to have been domesticated in West Africa, where it has been grown for over 4,000 years.
• It spread to India, which is now one of the largest producers of this crop.

Geographical Distribution:

• Pearl millet is mainly grown in semi-arid regions with low rainfall, making it suitable for regions with limited irrigation or rainfall.
• In India, it is grown in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana.
• Globally, the crop is important in Africa and parts of Asia.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea)

Origin:

• Groundnut, or peanut, is believed to have originated in the highlands of South America, specifically in the Andes region.
• It was later introduced to other regions, including Africa and Asia, through trade routes.

Geographical Distribution:

• Groundnut thrives in warm climates and is mainly grown in tropical and subtropical regions.
• In India, it is extensively grown in the states of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
• Other major producers include China, the USA, and Nigeria.

Soybean (Glycine max)

Origin:

• Soybean is native to East Asia, with China being the primary center of domestication over 3,000 years ago.
• It is one of the most widely cultivated legumes globally.

Geographical Distribution:

• Soybean thrives in temperate and subtropical climates.
• In India, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are major producers during the Kharif season.
• Global soybean production is concentrated in USA, Brazil, Argentina, and China.

Ricebean (Vigna umbellata)

Origin:

• Ricebean is native to the Himalayan region and has been cultivated for more than 1,000 years in countries like India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia.

Geographical Distribution:

• Ricebean is primarily grown in Himalayan foothills and northeastern India.
• It is a lesser-known but resilient crop in semi-arid and rainfed areas.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Origin:

• Cowpea is believed to have originated in Africa and has been cultivated for thousands of years.
• It was introduced to other parts of the world, including India, during trade routes.

Geographical Distribution:

• Cowpea is grown in tropical and subtropical regions, typically in areas with poor soils and low rainfall.
• In India, it is grown in states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Globally, major producers include Nigeria, India, and Brazil.

Black Gram (Vigna mungo)

Origin:

• The origin of black gram (also known as urad dal) is believed to be in India or Southeast Asia.

Geographical Distribution:

• Black gram is primarily grown in tropical and subtropical climates.
• In India, it is mainly cultivated in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• Globally, it is produced in India, Myanmar, and China.

Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Origin: Cluster bean, also known as guar, is native to India and Pakistan.

Geographical Distribution:

• It is predominantly grown in arid and semi-arid regions with poor soils.
• In India, major producing states include Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.

Red Gram / Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)

Origin:

• Pigeon pea, or red gram, is believed to have been domesticated in India around 3,000 years ago.
• It is one of the oldest cultivated pulses in India.

Geographical Distribution:

• Pigeon pea is a hardy crop suited to tropical and subtropical climates.
• In India, it is grown in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• The global production is mainly concentrated in India, Myanmar, and Africa.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum)

Origin:

• Sesame is believed to have originated in India and Africa, making it one of the oldest oilseeds known to humanity.
• It is considered a domesticated crop in India.

Geographical Distribution:

• Sesame is adapted to hot climates, requiring relatively low rainfall and well-drained soils.
• In India, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are major sesame-producing states.
• Globally, India, China, Sudan, and Nigeria are top producers of sesame.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea)

Origin:

• The groundnut (or peanut) is believed to have originated in the Andes region of South America, particularly in Peru and Brazil.
• It was later introduced to Africa, Asia, and Europe through trade.

Geographical Distribution:

• Groundnuts are grown in tropical, subtropical, and semi-arid regions.
• In India, major producing states include Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.
• Major global producers of groundnuts include China, India, USA, and Nigeria.