Which of the following is tropical monsoon crop?

The correct answer is Paddy.

Key Points

• Paddy is a tropical monsoon crop, cultivated during the kharif season, which requires high temperatures (above 25°C) and abundant rainfall (100-200 cm annually).
• It is one of the most important staple food crops of India and is extensively grown in states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.
• Paddy cultivation is heavily dependent on the monsoon rains, and it thrives in regions with flooded fields and clayey soil for better water retention.
• India is the second-largest producer of rice globally, contributing significantly to global rice production and exports.
• The crop plays a vital role in India's agricultural economy and food security, feeding millions of people.

Additional Information

• Kharif Crops: These crops are sown during the monsoon season (June-July) and harvested in the autumn (September-October). Examples include paddy, maize, cotton, and groundnut.
• Monsoon Dependency: Tropical monsoon crops like paddy rely on the southwest monsoon for irrigation, as artificial irrigation methods are less prevalent in many rural farming areas.
• Rice Varieties: India grows different varieties of rice, including basmati and non-basmati, catering to both domestic consumption and export markets.
• Soil Requirements: Paddy is ideally grown in clayey and loamy soils with good water retention capacity, which ensures consistent water supply during its growth cycle.
• Challenges in Paddy Cultivation: Issues such as water scarcity, pest attacks, and dependency on erratic monsoon rains pose significant challenges to paddy farmers in India.