The correct answer is (b) Fruits and vegetables.
During the Tenth Five Year Plan, the growth rate of fruits and vegetables was 2.9%, which was higher than the growth rate of cereals (2.4%), pulses and oil seeds (2.2%), and other crops (2.1%). This was due to the increasing demand for fruits and vegetables, as well as the government’s focus on increasing production of these crops.
The growth rate of fruits and vegetables was higher than the growth rate of cereals because fruits and vegetables are more perishable and have a shorter shelf life. This means that they need to be consumed more quickly, which drives up demand. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are often seen as healthier alternatives to other foods, which also contributes to their increasing popularity.
The government has also been focusing on increasing production of fruits and vegetables. This has been done through a number of initiatives, such as providing subsidies to farmers, investing in research and development, and promoting the use of modern agricultural practices. These initiatives have helped to increase the supply of fruits and vegetables, which has also contributed to their higher growth rate.
The growth rate of pulses and oil seeds was lower than the growth rate of fruits and vegetables because these crops are less perishable and have a longer shelf life. This means that they do not need to be consumed as quickly, which drives down demand. Additionally, pulses and oil seeds are often seen as less healthy alternatives to other foods, which also contributes to their lower popularity.
The growth rate of other crops was lower than the growth rate of fruits and vegetables, pulses and oil seeds because these crops are not as widely consumed. This is due to a number of factors, such as their taste, their nutritional value, and their availability.