Correct Option (b):
Kharif crops are typically sown with the onset of the monsoon season, usually from June to July, and harvested between September and October.
- Cotton: It is a major Kharif crop, requiring high temperatures and light rainfall during its growth period, and a frost-free period. Sowing generally occurs with the monsoon rains.
- Groundnut: Primarily grown as a Kharif crop, it thrives in warm and moist conditions during its growing season.
- Maize: While adaptable, maize is predominantly cultivated as a Kharif crop in India, especially in the northern and central regions, benefiting from the monsoon rainfall.
- Mustard: Mustard is a Rabi crop, sown during the winter months (October-November) and harvested in spring (March-April). It requires cool and dry weather conditions.
Therefore, Cotton, Groundnut, and Maize are Kharif crops.
Incorrect Options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because it excludes Maize, which is a Kharif crop.
- Option (c) is incorrect because it includes Mustard, which is a Rabi crop, and excludes Cotton and Groundnut, which are Kharif crops.
- Option (d) is incorrect because it includes Mustard as a Kharif crop.