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Question

Which one of the following crops is not cultivated under dryland farming?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

Sugarcane

Understanding Dryland Farming and Crop Suitability

Dryland farming refers to a set of agricultural techniques used to grow crops in arid or semi-arid regions where irrigation is not possible or practical. This type of farming relies entirely on natural rainfall. Therefore, crops suitable for dryland farming must be drought-tolerant and require relatively less water compared to crops grown in irrigated areas.

Let's analyze the given options in the context of dryland farming:

  • Jowar (Sorghum): Jowar is a major millet crop widely grown in dry and semi-arid regions of India and other parts of the world. It is well-known for its drought tolerance and ability to grow with limited rainfall. It is a staple crop in many dryland areas.
  • Ragi (Finger Millet): Ragi is another type of millet highly valued for its nutritional content and its ability to withstand drought conditions. It is commonly cultivated in dry regions and hilly areas where rainfall is scarce. Ragi is considered one of the most drought-resistant cereal crops.
  • Sugarcane: Sugarcane is a tropical plant that requires a significant amount of water for its growth. It is a water-intensive crop and is typically cultivated in areas with high rainfall or under assured irrigation. Growing sugarcane under dryland conditions is generally not feasible due to its high water requirement.
  • Groundnut (Peanut): Groundnut is an oilseed crop that can be grown under rainfed conditions, particularly in areas receiving moderate rainfall. While it benefits from adequate moisture, it is relatively more tolerant to dry spells compared to a crop like sugarcane. It is commonly grown in dryland areas, although yields can be improved with irrigation.

Based on the water requirements and drought tolerance of these crops, sugarcane stands out as the one least suitable for cultivation under dryland farming conditions. Jowar, Ragi, and Groundnut are relatively more drought-tolerant and are often grown in dryland regions.

Comparison of Crop Water Requirements

Crop Typical Water Requirement Suitability for Dryland Farming
Jowar (Sorghum) Low to Moderate Suitable (Drought-tolerant)
Ragi (Finger Millet) Low Highly Suitable (Very drought-tolerant)
Sugarcane High Not Suitable (Water-intensive)
Groundnut (Peanut) Moderate Suitable (Relatively drought-tolerant)

Therefore, the crop that is not cultivated under dryland farming from the given options is Sugarcane due to its high water demand.

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Concept Description
Dryland Farming Farming without irrigation, relying solely on rainfall, typically in arid/semi-arid areas.
Drought Tolerance Ability of a crop to survive and produce yield under conditions of water scarcity.
Water-intensive Crops Crops that require large amounts of water for optimal growth and yield.

Additional Information on Dryland Crops

Crops cultivated under dryland farming are often selected based on their ability to mature quickly, their efficient use of limited water resources, and their resilience to unpredictable rainfall patterns. Besides Jowar, Ragi, and Groundnut, other crops commonly grown in dryland areas include pulses (like pigeon pea, chickpea) and some oilseeds (like castor). Practices like water harvesting, soil moisture conservation, and selecting appropriate crop varieties are crucial for successful dryland agriculture.

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