2024 · Q87
Consider the following statements:
- 1Bajra is predominantly grown in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, while Ragi is mainly cultivated in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- 2Bajra grows well in sandy and shallow black soils, whereas red and shallow black soil is suited for Ragi. With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct?
General KnowledgeGeography
- ABoth the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
- BBoth the statements are correct, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.
- CStatement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is false.
- DStatement 1 is false, but statement 2 is correct.
Explanation
Bajra (pearl millet) is predominantly grown in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, while ragi (finger millet) is concentrated in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu — statement 1 is factually correct. Bajra does grow well on sandy and shallow black soils, and ragi on red and shallow black soils — statement 2 is also factually correct. Whether soil suitability explains the state-wise distribution is debatable, since agro-climatic and economic factors also drive cropping patterns, so statement 2 is not treated as the explanation of statement 1. Keeping the stored key, option B is marked correct. Note: this key is disputed — verify against the official UPSC key.