Cash Crops

1. “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. I

“The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop ?

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Cotton
Jute
Sugarcane
Tea
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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Cotton fits the given agro-climatic description most accurately.
The description highlights several key requirements: subtropical nature, sensitivity to hard frost, a minimum period of frost-free days, moderate rainfall (50-100 cm), and specific soil conditions (light, well-drained, moisture-retentive). Cotton is a subtropical crop highly sensitive to frost. It requires a long growing season with plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall. The mentioned rainfall range and soil type (like black cotton soil or alluvial soil) are suitable for cotton cultivation.
Other options like Jute and Tea require higher rainfall (typically above 150 cm). Sugarcane requires 75-150 cm rainfall and often supplemental irrigation; while subtropical, the specific combination of 50-100 cm rainfall and soil description points more towards cotton, especially varieties grown in rainfed conditions or areas with limited irrigation.

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2. In which one of the following States is jute not significantly cultiva

In which one of the following States is jute not significantly cultivated ?

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Assam
West Bengal
Odisha
Andhra Pradesh
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2019
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Jute is not significantly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh. Jute is primarily grown in the eastern parts of India which receive heavy rainfall and have alluvial soils. The major jute-producing states in India are West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Meghalaya. West Bengal accounts for the largest share of jute production in India.
Jute cultivation is concentrated in specific regions of India based on suitable climate and soil conditions.
Andhra Pradesh is a major producer of various crops like rice, sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, and groundnut, but not jute. Jute requires high temperatures, heavy rainfall (150-200 cm), and high humidity.

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3. Which one of the following is not a geographical requirement for culti

Which one of the following is not a geographical requirement for cultivation of cotton ?

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Temperature reaching 25°C or more in summer
Moderate to light rainfall
Medium loam soil with good drainage
A growing period of at least 100 frost free days
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2019
Download PDFAttempt Online
The statement which is not a geographical requirement for cultivation of cotton is D) A growing period of at least 100 frost free days.
Cotton cultivation requires a long growing season, typically around 6-7 months, which must be largely frost-free. The minimum requirement for frost-free days is usually cited as 200-210 days, significantly more than 100 days.
The other statements are correct requirements:
– A) Cotton needs high temperatures (21-30°C) during the growing period, especially warm sunny weather during boll ripening.
– B) Moderate rainfall (50-100 cm) is needed, preferably concentrated during the growing season. It can also be grown under irrigation in drier areas.
– C) Cotton grows well on a variety of soils, but well-drained medium loam soil and black cotton soil (Regur) are particularly suitable. Good drainage is essential as waterlogging is harmful.

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4. Consider the following map of India : The areas marked in the map give

Consider the following map of India :
The areas marked in the map given above account for the production of which one of the following cash crops ?

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Cotton
Groundnut
Sugarcane
Tobacco
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2016
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Assuming the map marks the areas of the Deccan Plateau and surrounding regions (like parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh), the primary cash crop these areas account for in significant production is Cotton.
Without the actual map, this answer is based on the common geographical distribution of major cash crops in India and typical representations in such exam questions. The black soil region of the Deccan Plateau is particularly well-suited for cotton cultivation due to its moisture-retaining capacity and nutrients. Gujarat and Maharashtra are among the leading cotton-producing states in India.
Sugarcane production is dominated by Uttar Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka. Groundnut production is significant in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, often in semi-arid areas. Tobacco production is more scattered, with major areas including Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Given the context of a single cash crop being represented by marked areas, cotton cultivation areas are a strong possibility for regions covering parts of Western and Central India as well as parts of the South.

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