Question

Match List I with List II
List I (Crop)
A. Cotton
B. Barley
C. Gram
D. Groundnut
List II (Leading State)
I. Rajasthan
II. Madhya Pradesh
III. Maharashtra
IV. Gujarat
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
• B. A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
• C. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
• D. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I

Hint:

To remember: Groundnut is highly concentrated in Gujarat (Saurashtra), and Gram is concentrated in Madhya Pradesh. This is a very common geographic association in agricultural exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Agricultural geography examines the distribution of crops across different regions.
The production of specific crops in India is concentrated in certain states based on their agro-climatic conditions, soil types, and regional farming systems.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us match each major crop to the state where its cultivation and production are highly concentrated:
1. Cotton (A): Cotton thrives in black clay soils (Vertisols) and warm climates.
Maharashtra has the largest acreage under cotton cultivation in India, making it a leading producer of this fiber crop.
Thus, A matches with III.
2. Barley (B): Barley is a hardy rabi cereal crop that can tolerate drought and soil salinity.
It is widely grown in the semi-arid, rainfed areas of Rajasthan.
Thus, B matches with I.
3. Gram (C): Gram (chickpea) is a major rabi pulse crop.
Madhya Pradesh is the leading producer of gram in India, accounting for a significant share of the national output due to its favorable soil and climate.
Thus, C matches with II.
4. Groundnut (D): Groundnut is a major oilseed crop that requires well-drained sandy loam soils.
Gujarat, particularly the Saurashtra region, is the leading producer of groundnut in India.
Thus, D matches with IV.
Combining these matches: A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV.
This matches Option 2.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct matching of crops to their leading states is A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV.