Important Crops

Arunachal Pradesh is located in northeastern India and is known for its favourable climatic conditions, which make it an ideal place for orchid cultivation. The state is home to over 600 species of orchids, which account for about 52% of all orchid species in India. The state's abundant rainfall and suitable temperatures contribute to lower production costs compared to other states. Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to develop an export-oriented industry in orchid cultivation and tap into international markets by focusing on quality production and marketing strategies.

The lower deltaic plains of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers are characterized by swamps and Sundarbans Paddy (rice) The lower Gangetic plain has a humid climate with high temperatures and fertile alluvial soil, which are ideal conditions for growing rice. Rice is a staple food crop in India and this region is a major producer. Jute Jute is a fiber crop that thrives in warm and humid climates with ample water. The riverine delta of the Ganges provides the necessary moisture and fertile land for jute cultivation. India is a leading producer of jute, and a significant portion comes from the lower Gangetic plain. Other crops like wheat and cotton might not be as suitable due to the year-round high temperatures. While wheat prefers cooler winters, cotton requires drier conditions.

The state in India with the characteristics described is Gujarat Northern Arid and Semi-Arid The northern part of Gujarat, bordering Rajasthan, experiences a dry climate. Central Cotton Production Gujarat is a major producer of cotton in India, and the central part of the state is known for its cotton cultivation. Cash Crop Predominance Gujarat's agricultural sector focuses heavily on cash crops like cotton, groundnut, and castor oilseed, compared to food crops like rice and wheat.

All three crops listed (Cowpea, Green gram, Pigeon pea) can be used as pulse, fodder, and green manure. **Pulse:** These are the dried edible seeds of legumes, which are a good source of protein and dietary fiber for humans. **Fodder:** These are plants or plant parts used as food for livestock. All three crops are rich in nutrients and can be used as animal feed. **Green manure:** These are plants grown specifically to be plowed back into the soil to improve its fertility. Legumes like cowpea, green gram, and pigeon pea are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they can add nitrogen to the soil, which is a crucial nutrient for plant growth.

All three crops listed (Groundnut, Sesamum, and Pearl millet) are predominantly rainfed crops in India. Rainfed Agriculture This refers to agricultural practices that rely primarily on rainfall for irrigation. It's a common practice in India, especially for crops grown in areas with limited access to irrigation facilities. Groundnut, Sesamum, and Pearl millet These crops are known for their drought tolerance and ability to adapt to varying rainfall patterns. They are well-suited for rainfed agriculture and are extensively cultivated in different parts of India.

**Pair 1 is incorrect:** Kinnaur (Himachal) is famous for apples, while Arecanut is grown mainly in the southern region. **Pair 2 is incorrect:** Mewat is a region in Haryana, while mango is grown in central and southern India. **Pair 3 is incorrect:** Coromandel (TN-Andhra) is known for rice cultivation, while soybean is predominantly in central India. Thus, none of the given pairs is correctly matched. Hence, the correct answer is 'D'.

**Statement 1 is correct -** Area under rice cultivation is highest among the Kharif crops; for example, it was 441.10 (Lakh Hectare) in 2014-15, 433.88 (Lakh Hectare) in 2015-16, etc. **Statement 2 is incorrect -** Area under the cultivation of jowar is less than that of oilseeds. **Statement 3 is correct -** Area of cotton cultivation is more than double that of sugarcane. **Statement 4 is incorrect -** Area under sugarcane cultivation is fluctuating; it has not steadily decreased. 

**Statement 1 is correct.** Like most of the pulses in India, Black gram pulse too can be cultivated both in kharif as well as in rabi season in India. **Statement 2 is incorrect.** Chickpea pulse, also known as Chana, is the most dominant pulse produced in India. It contributes around 40% of the total pulse production in India. **Statement 3 is incorrect.** Both kharif and rabi pulse production have generally shown an increasing trend over the last three decades, largely due to government initiatives and technological advancements. Rabi pulses, which make up a larger share of the total production (more than 60%), have shown a substantial increase. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

The description provided matches the requirements for cotton cultivation. - Subtropical nature and frost sensitivity: Cotton is a subtropical crop and is sensitive to frost. A hard frost can damage the cotton plants, making them unsuitable for cold regions. - Frost-free days: Cotton requires at least 210 frost-free days, which is typical for its growth cycle. It thrives in regions with a long growing season, free from frost. - Rainfall requirement: Cotton needs 50 to 100 cm of rainfall. The crop is drought-tolerant, but it still requires moderate rainfall for optimal growth. - Soil type: Cotton grows best in light, well-drained soil that can retain moisture, providing the right balance for its deep root system.     Cotton is the right answer. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

**Statement 1 is correct:** The bud chip method involves raising sugarcane settlings in a nursery before transplanting them into the main field. This method reduces seed material requirements by using only the bud instead of the entire sett, leading to cost savings and better efficiency. **Statement 2 is incorrect:** Multi-budded setts generally have a higher germination percentage than single-budded setts. Single-budded setts may face more difficulty in germination compared to setts with multiple buds, which provide better shoot emergence. **Statement 3 is incorrect:** Under adverse weather conditions, large setts have better survival rates because they store more nutrients and moisture. Single-budded setts are more vulnerable to unfavorable conditions and may have lower survival rates. **Statement 4 is correct:** Tissue culture techniques are successfully used for sugarcane cultivation. Settlings prepared from tissue culture help in producing disease-free, high-yielding plants and allow rapid multiplication of quality planting material. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: Although less common than coffee, tea is grown in the high-altitude regions of Andhra Pradesh (such as the Chintapalli and Araku areas). Statement 2 is correct: Kerala is a major tea producer, especially in the Munnar, Wayanad, and Idukki districts. Statement 3 is correct: Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Kangra Tea, which holds a GI tag and is known for its unique flavor. Statement 4 is correct: Tripura is a significant tea-producing state in the Northeast, ranking among the top 5-6 producers in the country. Note: This is a UPSC Prelims 2022 Previous Year Question. Per the Official Answer Key, Andhra Pradesh is included as a tea-producing state.