Previous Year Question
Following are the characteristics of an area in India:
Hot and humid climate
Annual rainfall 200 cm
Hill slopes up to an altitude of 1100 m
Annual range of temperature 15°C to 30°C
Which one among the following crops are you most likely to find in the area described above?
Mustard
Cotton
Pepper
Virginia tobacco
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The geographical and climatic conditions described in the question are most suitable for the cultivation of black pepper.
Conditions required by black pepper
The botanical name of black pepper is Piper nigrum.
It is a perennial climbing vine of the humid tropics and requires a tree or an artificial support for its growth.
It requires a warm, humid and frost-free climate.
A well-distributed annual rainfall of approximately 125-200 cm is considered ideal.
Its favourable temperature range is approximately 23°C-32°C, although the plant can tolerate a somewhat wider temperature range.
Well-drained red and lateritic soils are suitable for its cultivation. Waterlogging is harmful to its roots.
Hill slopes provide effective drainage and prevent water from remaining around the roots after heavy rainfall.
In India, it is primarily cultivated in the humid and sloping areas of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Why are the other options unsuitable?
Mustard: It is a winter rabi crop suited to relatively cool and dry conditions. Annual rainfall of 200 cm and high humidity are unsuitable for it.
Cotton: It requires a warm climate but generally needs moderate rainfall, adequate sunshine and dry weather during ripening. Persistently high humidity can be harmful.
Virginia tobacco: It requires well-drained soil and comparatively dry conditions. Excessive rainfall can adversely affect leaf quality and plant growth.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Pepper.