Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements with reference to Upper Gangetic agro-climatic region :
This region encompasses central and western Uttar Pradesh.
This region has more than 130% irrigation intensity and 140% cropping intensity.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Only 1
Only 2
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. In the classification of India's 15 agro-climatic regions, the Upper Gangetic Plains Region is designated as Zone-V. Its major extent covers central and western Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, the first statement given in the question is correct.
The climate of this region is sub-humid continental. Its average annual rainfall is about 75–150 cm, and the predominant soil is sandy loam. Canals, tube wells and wells are the major sources of irrigation. Due to adequate irrigation and the fertile Gangetic plains, it is one of India's intensive agricultural regions.
Statement 2 is also correct. The region has an irrigation intensity of about 131% and a cropping intensity of about 144%. Therefore, the figures of “more than 130%” and “140%” given in the question are correct.
It is important to understand Cropping Intensity here. If 100 hectares of net sown area produces a total cropped area of 144 hectares across different seasons in a year, the cropping intensity is 144%. Similarly, an irrigation intensity above 100% indicates that a part of the irrigated land receives irrigation during more than one crop season in a year.
Important crops of the region include wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize, barley, gram, pulses and oilseeds. Assured irrigation has a particularly important role in wheat–rice and sugarcane-based agriculture.