Question

Which one of the following crop requires a cool climate for growth and a high temperature for maturity?

• A. Chickpea
• B. Green gram
• C. Moth bean
• D. Black gram

Hint:

Rabi crops (like wheat, barley, and chickpea) are sown in autumn (requiring cool weather for growth) and harvested in spring/summer (requiring warm weather for ripening).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Field crops are classified as Kharif (monsoon) or Rabi (winter) crops based on their temperature and photoperiod requirements during different growth stages.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), commonly known as Bengal gram or chana, is a major winter-season (Rabi) pulse crop.
Its growth stages have specific climatic requirements:
During its vegetative and early flowering phases, chickpea requires a relatively cool and moist climate, with optimal daytime temperatures of 15 \textdegreeC to 25 \textdegreeC.
As the crop enters pod development and grain-filling stages, it requires warm, dry conditions and bright sunshine.
High temperatures (30 \textdegreeC to 35 \textdegreeC) and low relative humidity are essential for proper seed maturation and harvesting.
In contrast, green gram (mungbean), black gram (urdbean), and moth bean are primarily warm-season (Kharif) crops.
These crops require warm temperatures throughout their vegetative and reproductive cycles and are sensitive to frost or cold winter conditions.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Chickpea is the crop that requires a cool climate for vegetative growth and warm, dry conditions for maturity.