Question

Given below are two statements about groundnut :
Statement (I) : Groundnut cultivation is done during kharif, winter, spring and summer seasons in different parts of India.
Statement (II) : Groundnut is a non-legume crop and belongs to family compositae.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below. :

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
• D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Hint:

Groundnut is unique because of its geotropic pod development (geocarpy): after pollination, the flower stalk elongates into a "peg" that bends downward, penetrating the soil where the pod matures underground.
Since it is a pod-bearing plant, it is always a legume.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is a major oilseed crop in India.
Accurate botanical classification, family characteristics, and regional growing seasons are essential to evaluate its agronomic profile.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements in detail:
- Statement (I): In India, groundnut is primarily grown as a rainfed Kharif crop (sown between June and July).
However, in southern and eastern parts of the country where winter temperatures are mild, it is also successfully cultivated during the Rabi (winter) and summer/spring seasons under irrigated conditions.
Therefore, Statement (I) is true.
- Statement (II): Groundnut is a classic legume crop capable of biological nitrogen fixation through its root nodule symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria.
It belongs to the family Fabaceae (formerly known as Leguminosae), not Compositae (Asteraceae).
Therefore, Statement (II) is false.
Thus, Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C), as Statement I is true and Statement II is false.