With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last

With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last five years, consider the following statements:

  • 1. Area under rice cultivation is the highest.
  • 2. Area under the cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds.
  • 3. Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane.
  • 4. Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 3 only
2, 3 and 4 only
2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2019
The correct answer is A, as statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Statement 1 is correct. Rice is the principal Kharif crop in India and is grown in the largest area among all crops during the Kharif season.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The area under the cultivation of oilseeds (such as soybean, groundnut, etc., which are significant Kharif crops) in India is substantially larger than the area under Jowar cultivation, especially considering only the Kharif season for Jowar.
Statement 3 is correct. The area under cotton cultivation in India is significantly more than the area under sugarcane cultivation. While sugarcane is also grown, its total area is less than that of cotton.
Statement 4 is incorrect. The area under sugarcane cultivation in India has not steadily decreased over the last five years; it has generally remained stable or shown some increase.
Understanding the relative cultivation areas of major crops in India is important for agricultural economics and geography. Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon (June-July) and harvested in September-October. Major Kharif crops include Rice, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Cotton, Jute, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Soybean, and Pulses (like Arhar). Sugarcane is a tropical plant and is often grown as a multi-seasonal crop.