Question 92 from UPSC CSE 2020 - GEOGRAPHY

Question

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?

A

Cotton

B

Jute

C

Sugarcane

D

Tea

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Cotton

Strategy: Focus on the crop's climatic needs: subtropical climate, sensitivity to frost, long frost-free period, moderate rainfall, and preference for light, moisture-retentive soils. Cotton matches all criteria--particularly its demand for at least 180-200 frost-free days and intolerance to frost. By matching these characteristic requirements against what is known about the other crops, only cotton fits fully; jute and tea need more rainfall, and sugarcane tolerates frost better.

Key Info: Cotton (Gossypium species) is a subtropical crop known for its fiber, which is economically significant in textile industries.

**Climatic Requirements:**
- **Temperature:** Optimal growth between 21-30°C; susceptible to frost; cannot tolerate low temperatures during growth or boll formation.
- **Growing Season:** Needs at least 180-210 frost-free days for proper crop cycle.
- **Rainfall:** Grows best with moderate rainfall (50-100 cm); excessive rain is harmful, especially at flowering or boll-opening stages.
- **Soil Requirements:** Prefers light, well-drained soils (like black cotton soils in India), rich in humus and capable of moisture retention.

**Comparison with other listed crops:**
- **Jute:** Highly rainfall-dependent (150-200 cm), thrives in humid tropical areas and cannot tolerate even short dry periods.
- **Sugarcane:** Prefers tropical climates but is more tolerant to mild frost; requires much longer growing season and higher rainfall or irrigation (75-150 cm or more).
- **Tea:** Requires cool, humid, tropical to subtropical climates with well-distributed rainfall (>100 cm), acidic soils and thrives at higher elevations; not grown in frost-prone or dry climates.

Major cotton-growing states in India include Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana. Apart from fabric production, cottonseed is used for oil and animal feed, making the crop socioeconomically valuable.

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Option B: Jute

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Option C: Sugarcane

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Option D: Tea