Question:

Which of the following is the scientific name of a major fiber crop cultivated in India ?

Show Hint

To distinguish between the two major Indian fiber crops:
- Cotton (*Gossypium* species) yields a "surface fiber" derived from the seed coat.
- Jute (*Corchorus* species) yields a "bast fiber" derived from the phloem tissues of the stem.
  • Gossypium hirsutum
  • Corchorus olitorius
  • Cannabis sativa
  • Linum usitatissimum
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fiber crops are grown for their fibers, which are traditionally used to manufacture paper, cloth, or rope.
In India, the agricultural economy relies heavily on major industrial fiber crops.
Among these, cotton and jute are the most prominent, but their economic scale, cultivation area, and industrial utilization differ significantly.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the plant species listed in the options:
1. Gossypium hirsutum (Upland Cotton):
This species represents the most widely cultivated cotton species in India and globally, accounting for over $90\%$ of the commercial cotton produced.
Cotton is known as the "King of Fibers" and is India's primary agricultural fiber crop, supporting the vast textile industry, which is a major contributor to the national GDP and employment.
Thus, this is the primary choice.
2. Corchorus olitorius (Tossa Jute):
This is a major bast fiber crop cultivated in India, particularly in West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam.
While jute is a highly important commercial fiber crop (known as the "Golden Fiber"), its cultivation area and economic value are much smaller than those of cotton.
3. Cannabis sativa (Hemp) & Linum usitatissimum (Flax/Linen):
While these are fiber-yielding crops, they are cultivated on a very limited scale in India primarily for other industrial or oilseed purposes rather than serving as major national fiber crops.
Thus, Options (C) and (D) are incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Gossypium hirsutum is the scientific name of the major agricultural fiber crop cultivated in India.
This corresponds to Option (A).
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