UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 14 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Kharif Crops
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2013
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
Consider the following crops:
1. Cotton
2. Groundnut
3. Rice
4. Wheat
Which of these are Kharif crops?
Show answer
Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1, 2 and 3 only
Analysis
According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013, the correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only.
Kharif crops are mainly sown with the onset of the southwest monsoon and harvested after the monsoon. Rice, cotton and groundnut are major Kharif crops, while wheat is a Rabi crop.
Statement by statement
1. Cotton — Correct
Cotton is a major Kharif cash crop.
It is generally sown from April to June and harvested from October to December.
It requires high temperature, adequate moisture and a long frost-free period.
2. Groundnut — Correct
Groundnut is an important Kharif oilseed crop.
It is usually sown with the onset of the monsoon and harvested after the rainy season.
It grows well in warm tropical conditions.
3. Rice — Correct
Rice is the most important Kharif food crop in India.
It requires hot and humid conditions with abundant water.
It is widely cultivated during the monsoon season.
4. Wheat — Incorrect
Wheat is a Rabi crop, not a Kharif crop.
It is sown in winter and harvested in spring.
It requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine during ripening.
Extra UPSC info
* Kharif crops are sown around June–July and harvested around September–October.
* Rabi crops are sown around October–December and harvested around April–June.
* Major Kharif crops include rice, maize, cotton, groundnut, jowar, bajra and soybean.
* Major Rabi crops include wheat, barley, gram, peas and mustard.
* Zaid crops are grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons, mainly with irrigation.
* Examples of Zaid crops include watermelon, cucumber and fodder crops.
How to crack it
Cotton, groundnut and rice are Kharif crops, while wheat belongs to the Rabi season.