"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 ?
Show answer
Answer: A. Cotton needs high temperature, light rainfall (50-100 cm), 210 frost-free days and bright sunshine, and grows well in well-drained soils that hold moisture, like black soil.
Watch for: Sugarcane also needs warm conditions, so students confuse the two.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Wrong because jute needs heavy rain (over 150 cm) and hot, humid conditions.
- C. Wrong because sugarcane needs a hot, humid climate (21-27°C) and heavy irrigation; the 210 frost-free days description is the textbook one for cotton.
- D. Wrong because tea needs heavy rainfall and well-drained hill slopes.
Source to check: NCERT Class 10 Contemporary India II, Chapter 4 (Agriculture)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.