57

Question 57

Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?

AOptions

A
A) Sugarcane
B
B) Sunflower
C
C) Pearl millet
D
D) Red gram

BSolution

Water efficiency refers to the amount of water required to produce a unit of crop yield. Among the given options, Sugarcane is well-known for being a highly water-intensive crop. It requires a significant amount of water throughout its long growing period, often making it less water-efficient, especially when compared to crops adapted to drier conditions.

Pearl millet (Bajra) and Red gram (Arhar) are rain-fed crops largely grown in semi-arid and arid regions due to their drought-tolerant nature and lower water requirements. Sunflower, while requiring more water than millets or pulses, is generally less water-intensive than sugarcane.

Diagram for Q57

CStrategy

For questions on crop characteristics, focus on understanding the water requirements, climate suitability, and productivity of major Indian crops. Categorize crops based on their water efficiency (high, medium, low) and their ideal growing conditions. Knowledge of major rain-fed versus irrigated crops is crucial.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under Indian Agriculture and Environment & Ecology, specifically Crop Characteristics and Water Resource Management.

EQuestion Analysis

Easy. This is a common piece of general knowledge about Indian agriculture.