"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?

Cotton

Jute

Sugarcane

Tea

APEDIA

UPSC Prelims

2020 • 04 Oct, 2020 • Paper-1

"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?

Correct Answer

Cotton

Temperature Constraints: The description explicitly mentions the absolute necessity of a prolonged, frost-free growth window. The exact figure of '210 frost-fre......

💡 Analysis & Explanation

Temperature Constraints ▼

The description explicitly mentions the absolute necessity of a prolonged, frost-free growth window. The exact figure of '210 frost-free days' is the universally taught, definitive geographic parameter required for the bolls of this particular plant to mature properly without freezing.

Rainfall Requirements ▼

The plant thrives in moderate rainfall conditions (50 to 100 cm). Too much rain encourages pests and ruins the harvest, effectively ruling out water-intensive crops like Jute and Tea which demand far heavier precipitation.

Soil Suitability ▼

It requires light, well-drained soils that retain moisture—a perfect description of the Black Cotton Soils (Regur) found in the Deccan Plateau.

Conclusion ▼

These highly specific meteorological and pedological requirements uniquely define the cultivation of Cotton.

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