Question

Identify correct statements with reference to Indian crops:
A. Wheat needs plenty of heat, plenty of rain and plenty of labour to provide plenty of food for plenty of people.
B. Cotton is grown in areas having at least 210 frost free days in a year.
C. Tamil Nadu state reported highest yield in sugarcane in 2020-21.
D. Gujarat was the leading producer of groundnut in India in 2020-21.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, C and D only
• C. B, C and D only
• D. A and D only

Hint:

Largest Producer = Total Quantity; Highest Yield = Productivity per unit of land. They are often different states!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Agricultural geography in India involves understanding the specific climatic requirements of crops and the regional patterns of their production and productivity (yield).

Step 1: Evaluating Statement A (Wheat).
This statement is factually incorrect for Wheat. The description "plenty of heat and plenty of rain" applies to Rice (Paddy). Wheat is a Rabi crop that requires a cool growing season and moderate rain/irrigation.

Step 2: Evaluating Statement B (Cotton).
Cotton is a tropical/sub-tropical crop. A very specific requirement for a healthy cotton harvest is a long growing season with at least 210 frost-free days and bright sunshine. Frost is detrimental to the cotton boll. Thus, (B) is correct.

Step 3: Evaluating Statements C and D (Production Records).

• Yield (C): While Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of Sugarcane, Tamil Nadu (and sometimes Maharashtra) often reports the highest yield (productivity per hectare) due to the maritime influence and longer crushing season. (C) is correct.
• Groundnut (D): Gujarat is consistently the leading producer of groundnut in India, benefiting from the suitable sandy-loam soils and climate of the Saurashtra region. (D) is correct.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Statements B, C, and D are correct.