Ramesh’s first battle began underground. Unlike Kharif, which is rain-fed, or Rabi, which benefits from residual soil moisture, Zaid is entirely dependent on irrigation.
Yet, the story of Zaid farming is not without hope. In neighboring districts, farmer producer organizations (FPOs) are pooling resources to install drip irrigation systems that save water. Progressive farmers are using mulching sheets to protect the soil. Startups are linking farmers directly to urban consumers, bypassing the middlemen. zaid farming challenges in india
Zaid farming, also known as summer farming, is a crucial agricultural practice in India that provides livelihood to millions of farmers. However, despite its importance, Zaid farming faces numerous challenges that hinder its productivity and sustainability. Ramesh’s first battle began underground
Zaid farming in India represents a . Without targeted policy, infrastructure, and technology support, it will remain a gamble for smallholders. However, with climate-adaptive strategies—drip irrigation, heat-tolerant cultivars, assured market links, and weather-based insurance—Zaid can become a resilient third pillar of Indian agriculture, improving food security and farmer incomes during the lean summer months. Zaid farming, also known as summer farming, is
In India, the agricultural year is traditionally divided into and Rabi (winter) seasons. However, a short but critical third season exists: Zaid (summer cropping, roughly April–June). Zaid crops are sown between Rabi harvest and Kharif sowing, bridging the food supply gap. Common Zaid crops include watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, fodder, sesame, and some short-duration pulses and vegetables.
Zaid crops—melons, cucumbers, leafy vegetables—are perishable. They cannot be stored in traditional granaries like wheat or rice. They must be sold immediately.
Worse still, the heat was damaging the fruit on the auction floor. Without cold storage facilities or a cold chain for transport, the shelf life of his produce was measured in hours. The middlemen, knowing Ramesh was desperate and the fruit was spoiling, offered a price barely covering his transport costs.