UPSC CSE Prelims 1999

Correct Option

The correct match for the crops and their optimal climatic conditions is as follows:

A. Cotton (Match 2): This crop requires a rainfall of 1500–2000 mm and temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. These conditions are conducive to healthy boll development and are found in major cotton-producing regions like the black soil areas of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.

B. Flax (Match 3): Flax thrives in a cool, temperate climate, necessitating 600–800 mm rainfall and temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C. Both excessive heat and moisture can adversely affect the quality of its fibre.

C. Sugar beet (Match 5): This crop prefers moderate climatic conditions, typically requiring 500–600 mm rainfall and temperatures between 18°C and 22°C. It is primarily cultivated in temperate regions globally and as a winter crop in parts of northern India. Sugar beet is sensitive to significant temperature fluctuations.

D. Jute (Match 4): Jute requires warm and humid conditions, with rainfall between 500–1000 mm and temperatures from 18°C to 22°C. It grows optimally in loamy, water-retentive soils, characteristic of regions such as West Bengal and Assam.

Incorrect Options

Option (a) is incorrect because:

• The climatic condition assigned to Cotton (A-1: Temperature 40°–60°C) is biologically unsuitable for its cultivation, as such high temperatures are detrimental to most crops.
• Jute (D-2) is incorrectly matched with conditions suitable for cotton (Rainfall 1500–2000 mm; Temperature 25°–35°C), whereas jute requires lower temperatures and rainfall.

Option (c) is incorrect because:

• Sugar beet (C-2) is incorrectly matched with conditions (Rainfall 1500–2000 mm; Temperature 25°–35°C) that are characteristic of tropical crops like cotton, not temperate crops like sugar beet.
• Flax (B-5) is incorrectly assigned conditions (Rainfall 500–600 mm; Temperature 18°–22°C) more suited for sugar beet, as flax requires a cooler climate.

Option (d) is incorrect because:

• Cotton (A-4) is incorrectly matched with climatic conditions (Rainfall 500–1000 mm; Temperature 18°–22°C) that are insufficient for its optimal growth, as cotton requires higher temperatures and rainfall.
• Jute (D-2) is incorrectly associated with conditions (Rainfall 1500–2000 mm; Temperature 25°–35°C) that are ideal for cotton, not jute, which thrives in warm and humid conditions but with different specific ranges.