Which of the following statements are correct regarding Suitable condi...
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The temperature should be low at the time of sowing but as the harvesting time approaches higher temperatures are required for proper ripening of the crop.
Suitable conditions for Wheat Cultivation in India:
• Wheat is an important food-grain of India and is the staple food of millions of Indians, particularly in the northern and north western parts of the country.
Conditions of Growth:
• Wheat is a rabi crop which is sown in the beginning of winter and is harvested in the beginning of summer.
• The time of sowing and harvesting differs in different regions due to climatic variations.
• The sowing of wheat crop normally begins in the September-October in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal; October November in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and November -December in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
• The harvesting is done in January- February in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, M.P., and in West Bengal; March-April in Punjab, Haryana, U.P. and Rajasthan and in April May in Himachal Pradesh and J&K.
• The growing period is variable from one agro climatic zone to other that effects the vegetative and reproductive period leading to differences in potential yield.
• The important factors affecting the productivity are seeding time and methodology, crop establishment and climatic conditions during the growing season.
• Wheat is primarily a crop of mid-latitude grasslands and requires a cool climate with moderate rainfall.
• The ideal wheat climate has winter temperature 10° to 15°C and summer temperature varying from 21°C to 26°C.
• The temperature should be low at the time of sowing but as the harvesting time approaches higher temperatures are required for proper ripening of the crop.
• But sudden rise in temperature at the time of maturity is harmful.
• Wheat thrives well in areas receiving an annual rainfall of about 75 cm.
Annual rainfall of 100 cm is the highest limit of wheat cultivation. The isohyet of 100 cm marks the boundary between wheat growing areas on one hand and rice growing areas on the other.
• In areas of less than 50 cm annual rainfall, irrigation is necessary for its successful growth.
• In fact, wheat can be grown in areas with as little as 20-25 cm annual rainfall provided proper irrigation faculties are available.
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Which of the following statements are correct regarding Suitable condi...
Wheat Cultivation Conditions in India
Wheat is one of the major crops cultivated in India, and its growth depends on specific climatic and environmental factors. Let's analyze the two statements regarding suitable conditions for wheat cultivation.
Statement 1: Wheat Thrives Well in Areas Receiving an Annual Rainfall of About 75 cm
- Wheat requires moderate rainfall for optimal growth.
- An annual rainfall of around 75 cm is considered suitable, as it provides enough moisture during the growing season.
- This aligns with the fact that regions like Punjab and Haryana, which have similar rainfall patterns, are major wheat-producing areas in India.
Statement 2: The Temperature Should Be High at the Time of Sowing
- Wheat is a cool-season crop that prefers moderate temperatures.
- Ideal temperatures for sowing typically range between 10°C to 15°C.
- High temperatures during sowing can adversely affect seed germination and early growth, leading to poor yields.
Conclusion
- Since Statement 1 is correct regarding the rainfall requirement, and Statement 2 is incorrect due to the temperature preference for wheat during sowing, the correct answer is option 'A' (1 only).
- Understanding these conditions is crucial for enhancing wheat production and ensuring food security in India.
This analysis highlights the importance of climate in agricultural practices, particularly for staple crops like wheat.
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