UPSC Prelims 2020 Q87: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
"The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimetres of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop."
Which one of the following is that crop?
- (a) Cotton
- (b) Jute
- (c) Sugarcane
- (d) Tea
Answer: (a) Cotton
Explanation
Which crop is described?
The passage gives four clues.
| Clue in the passage | What it points to |
|---|---|
| Subtropical; a hard frost is injurious | A warm-season crop |
| At least 210 frost-free days | The textbook figure for cotton |
| 50 to 100 centimetres of rainfall | Moderate rain; rules out jute, sugarcane and tea |
| Light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture | Black soil (regur) of the Deccan |
Comparing the four crops:
| Crop | Rainfall | Soil and climate | Fits? |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) Cotton | 50 to 100 cm | 210 frost-free days; black soil | Yes |
| (b) Jute | Over 150 cm | Hot and humid; flooded alluvial soil | No |
| (c) Sugarcane | 75 to 150 cm or irrigation | Long-duration crop; deep rich loam | No |
| (d) Tea | 150 to 300 cm | Hill slopes; acidic soil | No |
Cotton in India: a kharif crop grown mainly in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana.
Answer: (a) Cotton.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Cotton needs 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 cm of rainfall.
- (b) Incorrect. Jute needs heavy rainfall of over 150 cm and standing water.
- (c) Incorrect. Sugarcane needs more water and heavy, rich soil, not light soil.
- (d) Incorrect. Tea needs 150 to 300 cm of rainfall on hill slopes.
Key point
Cotton: subtropical, 210 frost-free days, 50 to 100 cm rain, black soil, kharif. Jute: over 150 cm. Tea: 150 to 300 cm on slopes. Sugarcane: 75 to 150 cm.
Remember
210 frost-free days = cotton.
Common mistakes
- Choosing sugarcane because it is also damaged by frost; it needs far more water.
- Ignoring the rainfall figure, which alone removes jute and tea.
- Not linking '210 frost-free days' to cotton, a standard NCERT fact.
Exam tip
Use the rainfall number first. 50 to 100 cm is moderate; jute, tea and sugarcane all need more.
Sources
- NCERT Class X — Contemporary India II, Ch 4 (Agriculture)
- NCERT Class XII — India: People and Economy, Ch on Land Resources and Agriculture