Consider the following statements with reference to cotton crops:

1. Cotton is mostly a Kharif crop.

2. Cotton crop requires moderate amounts of rainfall varying between 50 - 75 cm annually.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option 3

Key Points

•  Cotton is mostly a Kharif crop (Correct)
  • Cotton is sown during the monsoon (June-July) and harvested in September-December.
  • It requires warm temperatures (21-30°C) and a frost-free period of about 6-8 months to grow well.
  • It is predominantly grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Cotton requires moderate rainfall (50-75 cm annually) (Correct)
  • Cotton needs moderate rainfall, typically between 50 cm and 100 cm, but 50-75 cm is also within the ideal range.
  • If rainfall is too high, it can damage the crop, which is why it is grown in well-drained black soil (Regur soil) that retains moisture.
  • During the maturity phase, cotton requires dry sunny weather for proper boll formation and fiber development.
• Thus, both statements are correct,  and the right answer is (3) Both 1 and 2.