UPSC Prelims 2003 Q14: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
Consider the following statements:
1. India is the original home of the cotton plant.
2. India is the first country in the world to develop hybrid cotton variety leading to increased
production.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- (a) Only 1
- (b) Only 2
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
India and the cotton plant
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. India is the original home of the cotton plant | True — cotton was grown in the Indus valley about 5000 years ago |
| 2. India was first in the world to develop a hybrid cotton variety | True — Hybrid-4, 1970, at Surat |
Both statements are correct.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (c) CORRECT. Both statements are correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are correct.
Key point
Cotton: Indus valley, 5000 BC; hybrid cotton: H-4 at Surat 1970 by C. T. Patel.
Remember
India developed the world's first hybrid cotton in 1970.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Egypt or America with the origin of cotton.
- Forgetting the Hybrid-4 variety of 1970.
- Thinking Bt cotton was the first hybrid.
Exam tip
Hybrid cotton: first by India (1970), Bt cotton: 2002.
Sources
- ICAR — Central Institute for Cotton Research
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — cotton