Previous Year Question
“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?
Cotton
Jute
Sugarcane
Tea
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
All the geographical conditions given in the question are associated with the cultivation of cotton.
1. Subtropical nature and temperature
Cotton is essentially a crop of tropical and subtropical regions.
It generally requires high temperatures and bright sunshine for proper growth.
In India, it is cultivated mainly as a kharif crop.
2. At least 210 frost-free days
Cotton is highly sensitive to frost.
A hard frost can damage plant cells, new growth, flowers and developing cotton bolls.
Because of its long growing period, approximately 210 frost-free days are important.
This is the most decisive clue for identifying cotton in the question.
3. Rainfall requirement
Cotton may require approximately 50–100 centimetres of rainfall or equivalent irrigation.
Adequate moisture is necessary during the initial vegetative-growth stage.
However, dry weather and bright sunshine are beneficial during the maturation and opening of cotton bolls.
Rainfall during boll opening can adversely affect the quality of cotton fibre.
4. Soil conditions
Cotton benefits from soil that can retain moisture but also has adequate drainage.
The deep black or regur soils of the Deccan Plateau are particularly well known for cotton cultivation in India.
Their high clay content provides substantial moisture-retention capacity.
Cotton can also be cultivated in well-drained alluvial and loamy soils.
Prolonged waterlogging is harmful to cotton roots and plant growth.
Why are the other options incorrect?
Jute: It requires a hot and highly humid climate, heavy rainfall and fertile alluvial soils of floodplains.
Sugarcane: It is a long-duration crop of hot and humid climates and generally has a higher water requirement than cotton.
Tea: It requires a warm, moist and frost-free climate, well-distributed rainfall and humus-rich, acidic and well-drained soil.
Additional facts
Cotton is an important fibre and cash crop.
Cotton fibres are elongated hairs that develop on the outer surface of its seeds.
The process of separating cotton fibres from seeds is called ginning.
In India, cotton generally requires approximately six to eight months to mature.