Question

Assertion (A): Cotton textile industries are widespread in India.

Reason (R): India has diverse climatic conditions suitable for cotton cultivation.

• A. Both A and R true and R explains A
• B. Both true but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Both A and R true and R explains A

• Geographical Distribution: The cotton textile industry is one of the oldest and most widely distributed industries in India, with production centers located across various states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka.
• Climatic Requirements: Cotton is a Kharif crop that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It requires high temperatures (21°C to 30°C), moderate rainfall (50–100 cm), and abundant sunshine to mature.
• Soil Suitability: India possesses large tracts of 'Regur' or Black Cotton Soil, particularly in the Deccan Plateau, which is highly moisture-retentive and ideal for cotton cultivation.
• Historical and Economic Significance: The availability of raw material across different agro-climatic zones allowed the industry to decentralize, moving from traditional clusters like Mumbai and Ahmedabad to rural and semi-urban areas to minimize transportation costs of bulky raw cotton.
• Industrial Links: The widespread cultivation provides a stable supply chain for the textile sector, which remains the second-largest employer in India after agriculture, significantly contributing to the export economy and industrial output.