Question 86
1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AOptions
BSolution
Let's analyze each statement regarding pulse production in India:
1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop: This statement is correct. Black gram (Urad dal) is known for its adaptability and can indeed be grown in both the kharif (monsoon season, typically June-October) and rabi (winter season, typically October-March) seasons, depending on the specific agro-climatic conditions and varieties. It is often grown as an intercrop or catch crop due to its short duration.
2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production: This statement is incorrect. While green gram (Moong dal) is an important pulse crop in India, it does not account for nearly half of the total pulse production. Gram (chickpea) is typically the largest pulse produced in India, followed by Tur (pigeon pea) and then other pulses like green gram and black gram. Green gram's share is significant but far from half of the total production.
3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased: This statement is incorrect. India has made significant efforts to increase overall pulse production to achieve self-sufficiency. Over the last three decades, there have been fluctuations, but the general trend has seen an increase in the production of both kharif and rabi pulses, driven by factors like increased area under cultivation, improved varieties, and government support. While kharif pulse production has seen a boost, rabi pulse production has also generally shown an increasing trend, not a decrease.
Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.
CStrategy
For questions involving agricultural statistics and crop characteristics, verify facts carefully, especially those with absolute or comparative claims (e.g., 'nearly half,' 'increased,' 'decreased'). General knowledge about common Indian crops, their seasons, and production trends is important. Be critical of sweeping statements about trends.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question relates to Agriculture, specifically crop patterns, production trends, and agricultural statistics in India.
EQuestion Analysis
Medium to Difficult. This question requires specific factual knowledge about Indian agriculture, including crop seasons and relative production shares, which can be challenging to recall precisely.