Question

Which statements accurately depict the impact of monsoon variations on Indian agriculture?

1. Regional variations support diverse crop cultivation.

2. Delays in monsoon onset can severely damage standing crops.

3. Early withdrawal of the monsoon has no significant impact on agriculture.

4. The consistancy of the monsoon ensures high agricultural productivity.

• A. 1 & 2
• B. 3 & 4
• C. 2 & 3
• D. 1 & 4

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 & 2

• Statement 1 is accurate because the varying monsoon patterns across different regions of India allow for the cultivation of diverse crops. Different parts of India receive different amounts of rainfall during different times, which creates suitable conditions for growing a wide variety of crops adapted to specific regional conditions.

• Statement 2 is correct because monsoon timing is critical for Indian agriculture. When monsoons are delayed, crops that have already been planted may wither due to lack of water, leading to crop failure and economic losses for farmers.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because early withdrawal of the monsoon does have significant impacts on agriculture. It can lead to insufficient moisture for crops in their critical growth stages, affecting yield and quality.

• Statement 4 is incorrect because the monsoon in India is not consistently reliable. In fact, it's the variability and unpredictability of the monsoon that creates challenges for Indian agriculture. Monsoon failures or irregularities often lead to droughts, floods, or other conditions that reduce agricultural productivity.

• The monsoon's impact on Indian agriculture is profound - about 60% of India's agricultural land is rain-fed, making monsoon variations a critical factor in the country's food security and agricultural economy.