UPSC Prelims 2011 Q71: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the
cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop an
export - oriented industry in this field?
- (a) Andhra Pradesh
- (b) Arunachal Pradesh
- (c) Madhya Pradesh
- (d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (b) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation
India's best state for orchid cultivation
Orchids need specific humid, temperate conditions, found in a particular corner of India.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Andhra Pradesh | Incorrect | Its climate is not naturally suited to the wide variety of orchids referenced here |
| (b) Arunachal Pradesh | Correct | Arunachal Pradesh's humid, temperate, high-rainfall Himalayan foothill climate makes it India's richest orchid habitat, naturally supporting hundreds of species at low production cost |
| (c) Madhya Pradesh | Incorrect | Its largely dry, continental climate does not favour orchid diversity |
| (d) Uttar Pradesh | Incorrect | Its plains climate is unsuitable for large-scale, varied orchid cultivation |
Orchids and Arunachal Pradesh:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | Humid, high-rainfall, Eastern Himalayan foothills |
| Diversity | Home to hundreds of native orchid species |
| Economic angle | Low-cost natural conditions support an export-oriented orchid industry |
Answer: (b) Arunachal Pradesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh's climate does not naturally support large-scale, diverse orchid cultivation.
- (b) CORRECT. Arunachal Pradesh's humid Himalayan foothill climate naturally supports a vast variety of orchids at low cost.
- (c) Incorrect. Madhya Pradesh's dry climate is unsuited to orchid diversity.
- (d) Incorrect. Uttar Pradesh's plains climate does not favour large-scale orchid cultivation.
Key point
Arunachal Pradesh's humid, high-rainfall Himalayan foothill climate gives it India's richest natural orchid diversity, ideal for a low-cost, export-oriented orchid industry.
Remember
Arunachal Pradesh: India's richest natural orchid habitat, ideal for a low-cost export-oriented orchid industry.
Common mistakes
- Not associating orchid diversity specifically with the North-East Himalayan climate.
- Assuming any state with general biodiversity can support large-scale orchid cultivation cheaply.
- Confusing Arunachal Pradesh's climate with drier mainland Indian states.
Exam tip
Orchids = North-East India, especially Arunachal Pradesh's humid Himalayan foothills. A recurring biogeography fact.
Sources
- Botanical Survey of India — Orchids of Arunachal Pradesh
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Arunachal Pradesh