Cash Crops

Total Questions: 35

1. Cotton is facing competition from sugarcane in the region of the black soil in Maharashtra. This is due to- [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]

(a) Declined yield of cotton in this region
(b) A general change in the climate of this region
(c) Expansion of irrigation has made this region suitable for sugarcane cultivation which is a more profitable crop
(d) Increasing demand for sugar and the rising price of sugar in the country.

Correct Answer: (c) Expansion of irrigation has made this region suitable for sugarcane cultivation which is a more profitable crop

Solution:Cotton is facing competition from sugarcane in the region of black soil in Maharashtra due to the expansion of irrigation. This region has become more suitable for sugarcane cultivation. Sugarcane cultivation is more profitable than the cotton crop.

2. The average yield of cotton is highest in India for the state of- [63rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2017]

(a) West Bengal
(b) Bihar
(c) Assam
(d) Andhra Pradesh
(e) None of these/More than one of these

Correct Answer: (d) Andhra Pradesh

Solution:When the question was asked option (d) was correct answer. According to Agricultural Statistics at a glance, 2022 Rajasthan (2021-22 4th A.E.) has the highest productivity of cotton.

3. Which Indian state has the largest number of Cotton Textile Mills? [60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Gujarat
(d) West Bengal

Correct Answer: (b) Maharashtra

Solution:Maharashtra is the state having the largest number of cotton Textile mills among the given options.

4. "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? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]

(a) Cotton
(b) Jute
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Tea

Correct Answer: (a) Cotton

Solution:Cotton: This subtropical crop is suitable for drier parts of the black cotton soil of the Deccan plateau. It requires high temperature, light rainfall (50-100 cm), 210 frost-free days and bright sun-shine for its growth.

5. Which one of the following is a group of millet crops? [Raj. P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Bajra, Maize, Kodo, Sorghum
(b) Ragi, Bajra, Kodo, Moong
(c) Kodo, Bajra, Maize, Kangani
(d) Sorghum, Kodo, Kangani, Ragi
(e) Question not attempted

Correct Answer: (d) Sorghum, Kodo, Kangani, Ragi

Solution:Sorghum, Kodo, Kangani and Ragi come under millet crops. Notably, Indian millets are a group of nutritiously rich, drought tolerant and mostly grown in the arid and semi-arid regions of India. Significantly, millet is a type of grain that is popular in many parts of the world, especially in Africa and Asia.

6. Which one of the following areas of India producesthe largest amount of cotton? [I.A.S. (Pre) 1996]

(a) North Western India and Gangetic West Bengal
(b) North Western and Western India
(c) Western and Southern India
(d) Plains of Northern India

Correct Answer: (b) North Western and Western India

Solution:When the question was asked North western & western India was the major producers of cotton. According to Agricultural Statistics at a Glance, 2022, in 2021-22 (4 AE) the cotton cultivation in respect of Major crop is done on 11.91 million hectare area.

7. The largest producer of cotton in India is- [44 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]

(a) Maharashtra
(b) Gujarat
(c) Punjab
(d) Haryana

Correct Answer: (b) Gujarat

Solution:According to the data of 2021-22 (4th A.E.), the three largest cotton producing states in India are 1. Gujarat, 2. Maharashtra, 3. Telangana. India leads globally in cotton production, followed by China and the U.S. It thrives in hot, sunny climates with long frost-free periods (210 days) and requires high temperatures, light rainfall or irrigation, and bright sunshine. It grows well in the Deccan plateau's black cotton soil, deep alluvial soils in northern India, black clayey soils in central regions, and mixed black and red soils in the southern zone. While cotton can tolerate some salinity, it is highly vulnerable to waterlogging. As a Kharif crop, cotton requires 6 to 8 months to mature.

8. Which districts are Known as areas of 'White Gold' because of cotton-cultivation. [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]

(a) Ratlam-Khandwa
(b) Khandwa-Khargone
(c) Ujjain-Shajapur
(d) Dhar-Jhabua

Correct Answer: (b) Khandwa-Khargone

Solution:Khandwa-Khargone are known as the areas of "White Gold because of cotton cultivation. India leads globally in cotton production, followed by China and the U.S. It thrives in hot, sunny climates with long frost-free periods (210 days) and requires high temperatures, light rainfall or irrigation, and bright sunshine. It grows well in the Deccan plateau's black cotton soil, deep alluvial soils in northern India, black clayey soils in central regions, and mixed black and red soils in the southern zone. While cotton can tolerate some salinity, it is highly vulnerable to waterlogging. As a Kharif crop, cotton requires 6 to 8 months to mature.

9. Which one of the following crops is known as "White Gold" in Maharashtra. [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]

(a) Wheat
(b) Maize
(c) Cotton
(d) Sugar Cane

Correct Answer: (c) Cotton

Solution:Black soil is suitable for cotton cultivation which covers the maximum area in Maharashtra. Cotton crop is known as White Gold in Maharashtra. India leads globally in cotton production, followed by China and the U.S. It thrives in hot, sunny climates with long frost-free periods (210 days) and requires high temperatures, light rainfall or irrigation, and bright sunshine. It grows well in the Deccan plateau's black cotton soil, deep alluvial soils in northern India, black clayey soils in central regions, and mixed black and red soils in the southern zone. While cotton can tolerate some salinity, it is highly vulnerable to waterlogging. As a Kharif crop, cotton requires 6 to 8 months to mature.

10. Consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]

1. India is the original home of the cotton plant

2. India is the first country in the world to develop hybrid cotton variety leading to increased production

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Solution:India is the original home of cotton plant. It also finds mention in Rigveda and Manusmriti. India is also the first country to develop a hybrid variety of cotton which has resulted in increased production.

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