“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 centimeters 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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Jute
- (c) Sugarcane
- (d) Tea
Why the answer is (a)
• Cotton is a subtropical kharif crop: it needs 210 frost-free days, 50–100 cm rainfall (or irrigation), high temperatures and bright sunshine at boll opening, and light, well-drained soils that hold moisture such as black regur — option (a).
• Frost kills the plant, so it is confined to Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana.
• Jute (b) needs 150–250 cm rain and alluvial soil; sugarcane (c) is a 12–18 month tropical crop needing 100–150 cm; tea (d) needs 150–300 cm rain and hill slopes.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Jute
- Jute needs far more rainfall and alluvial soil.
- (c) Sugarcane
- Sugarcane is a longer-duration crop needing more water.
- (d) Tea
- Tea needs heavy rainfall and hill slopes.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.