Summer season cultivation is important for farmers who have assured irrigation and want to make better use of their land after the Rabi harvest. In many parts of India, summer crops are grown from February–March to May–June. High temperature, longer sunlight hours, and limited rainfall are the main features of this season. Therefore, crop selection should be done carefully, keeping water availability and crop duration in mind. Among cereals, oilseeds, and pulses, several crops perform well during summer when managed properly.
Among cereal crops, maize is one of the most suitable crops for summer cultivation. It grows well under irrigated conditions and has a short to medium duration. Summer maize gives good yield if timely irrigation and nutrient management are followed. It is widely grown for grain as well as fodder. Another suitable cereal is summer rice, also called summer paddy. This crop is mainly grown in areas with assured irrigation, especially in eastern and southern India. Short-duration rice varieties are preferred for summer cultivation. Although it requires more water, summer paddy gives stable yield and good market value. Sorghum and pearl millet can also be grown in some regions during summer, mainly for fodder purposes, as they tolerate heat better.
Among oilseed crops, groundnut is the most popular and suitable summer oilseed crop. Summer groundnut grows well under irrigated conditions and usually gives higher yield than rainfed crops because moisture stress is less controlled. It requires warm weather and light, well-drained soil. Proper irrigation during flowering and pod formation is important for good yield. Sunflower is another good oilseed crop for summer cultivation. It is a short-duration crop and can tolerate high temperatures. Sunflower grows well with limited water compared to some other crops and gives good oil yield. Sesame can also be grown during summer in some regions, especially where light soils and irrigation facilities are available. However, it needs careful management as it is sensitive to excess moisture.
Among pulse crops, green gram (moong) is the most suitable pulse for summer season. It is a short-duration crop, matures quickly, and improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. Summer moong is widely grown after wheat harvest in irrigated areas. It requires less water compared to cereals and fits well in crop rotation. Black gram (urad) is another suitable pulse for summer cultivation. Like moong, it is short-duration and improves soil health. Cowpea can also be grown during summer, especially for vegetable and fodder purposes. It tolerates heat and gives quick returns.
While choosing summer crops, water availability is the most important factor. Summer crops depend entirely on irrigation, so farmers should ensure timely and adequate water supply. Heat stress, pests, and weeds can be more severe during summer, so regular field monitoring is essential. Balanced fertilizer use and timely weed control help crops grow well under high temperature conditions.
In conclusion, several crops from cereals, oilseeds, and pulses are suitable for summer cultivation if irrigation is available. Maize and summer rice among cereals, groundnut and sunflower among oilseeds, and green gram and black gram among pulses are the most commonly grown summer crops. Proper crop selection, good irrigation management, and timely care help farmers get good yield and additional income from summer season farming.
