The foothills of Meghalaya often have:

The correct answer is: b) Deep and fertile alluvial soils

Alluvial soils are formed by the deposition of sediments from rivers and streams. They are typically rich in nutrients and organic matter, making them ideal for agriculture. The foothills of Meghalaya are located in the Brahmaputra River basin, which is one of the most fertile regions in India. The region receives an average annual rainfall of over 2,500 mm, which helps to keep the soils moist and well-drained.

The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:

• Rocky and shallow soils are not ideal for agriculture, as they lack nutrients and organic matter.
• Red and lateritic soils are formed in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall and temperatures. They are typically acidic and low in nutrients.
• Laterite soils with a hard crust are formed in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall and temperatures. They are typically acidic and low in nutrients, and the hard crust makes them difficult to cultivate.