General helpful features/practices for both seasons
| Parameter | Kharif Maize | Rabi Maize | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | June–July | October–November | | Rain dependency | High (rainfed) | Very low (irrigated) | | Avg. yield (q/acre) | 15–20 quintals | 25–35 quintals | | Pesticide sprays | 4–6 times | 1–2 times (or none) | | Labor requirement | High (weeding + pest control) | Moderate | | Market price trend | Low (glut season) | High (lean season) | | Risk factor | Climate (drought/flood) | Irrigation failure / frost | | Best for | Rainfed areas, fodder | Irrigated pockets, profit | maize rabi or kharif
Kharif maize (monsoon-sown)
Simran walked into the field, her boots kicking up small puffs of dust. "That is the old way, Pitaji. But times have changed. Maize is no longer just a Kharif crop. It is a versatile grain. Have you heard of the rabi maize revolution?" But times have changed