UPSC Prelims 2010 Q72: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of mill - made cotton yarn in the country. What could be the
reason?
1. Black cotton soil is the predominant type of soil in the State.
2. Rich pool of skilled labour is available.
Which of the above is/are the correct reasons?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Why Tamil Nadu leads in mill-made cotton yarn
Tamil Nadu's dominance in cotton yarn manufacturing stems from specific, non-soil-related factors.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Black cotton soil predominant in the State | Incorrect | Tamil Nadu's soil is not predominantly black cotton soil (that's more typical of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh); this is not the reason for its yarn-manufacturing strength |
| 2. Rich pool of skilled labour available | Correct | Tamil Nadu (especially around Coimbatore, 'Manchester of South India') has developed a skilled textile workforce over generations, driving its yarn-manufacturing leadership |
Tamil Nadu's cotton yarn industry:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Key hub | Coimbatore region |
| Key factor | Skilled labour pool, built over decades |
| Not the reason | Soil type — Tamil Nadu isn't a major black-cotton-soil state |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Black cotton soil is not Tamil Nadu's predominant soil type; this is not the real reason.
- (b) CORRECT. Tamil Nadu's skilled labour pool, centred around Coimbatore, explains its leadership in cotton yarn manufacturing.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 (soil type) is inaccurate, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
Tamil Nadu's leadership in mill-made cotton yarn is explained by its RICH SKILLED LABOUR POOL (Coimbatore region), NOT by black cotton soil, which isn't the state's predominant soil type.
Remember
Tamil Nadu leads in mill-made cotton yarn due to its rich skilled labour pool, not black cotton soil (which isn't its predominant soil type).
Common mistakes
- Assuming cotton-related industrial success must stem from cotton-growing soil type, missing the labour/industrial-skill factor.
- Not knowing Coimbatore's specific role as a historic textile manufacturing hub.
- Confusing raw cotton cultivation factors with yarn manufacturing (mill-based processing) factors.
Exam tip
Tamil Nadu's cotton-yarn leadership = skilled labour and industrial tradition (Coimbatore), NOT the state's soil type.
Sources
- Ministry of Textiles, Government of India — Annual Report 2009–10 (cotton textile industry)
- NCERT — Geography, cotton textile industry location factors