Which of the following is/are the reason(s) for the net import of dai...
Option c is the correct answer.
- Mediterranean climate is confined to the western portion of continental masses, between 30° and 45° north and south of the equator. The basic cause of this type of climate is the shifting of the wind belts. The best developed form of this climatic type is found in central Chile.
- Statement 1 is correct: Conditions in the Mediterranean do not suit grass, because most of the rain comes in the cool season when growth is slow. Slow-growing vegetation, which cannot replenish its foliage readily, and which is without deep-penetrating roots, is least suited here. These conditions are thus a constraint for animal husbandry. Animal fats are not important here and the chief cooking oil is obtained from olives. Dairy products are thus net import items.
- Statement 2 is correct: This climate is characterized by autumn-spring rainfall with erratic distribution. Recurrent drought at the end of spring is responsible for discontinued forage production and frequently, for its low quality. Even if grasses do survive, they are so wiry and bunchy that they are not suitable for animal farming. Cattle rearing is thus unimportant in the Mediterranean.
Which of the following is/are the reason(s) for the net import of dai...
Mediterranean Climate and Dairy Imports
The Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is typically found in regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of California and Australia. In these regions, there is a net import of dairy products, and there are two main reasons for this.
1. Limited Grass Growth:
Mediterranean climatic conditions do not favor the high growth of grass. The hot and dry summers, combined with limited rainfall, result in reduced grass growth. Grasses in this climate tend to be wiry and bunchy, making them unsuitable for animal rearing. As a result, there is a scarcity of natural grazing resources for dairy cattle.
2. Unsuitability for Animal Rearing:
The wiry and bunchy nature of grasses in Mediterranean climates makes them less nutritious and less palatable for dairy cattle. These grasses have lower nutritional value, which affects the quality and quantity of milk production. Additionally, the limited availability of grazing resources makes it challenging to maintain a sufficient number of dairy cattle for local milk production.
Consequently, the net import of dairy products becomes necessary to meet the demand for milk and dairy products in these regions. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter are imported from regions with more favorable climatic conditions for dairy farming.
In summary, the Mediterranean climate's limited grass growth and unsuitability for animal rearing are the primary reasons for the net import of dairy products in these regions. The scarcity of grazing resources and the lower nutritional value of grasses make it challenging to sustain a local dairy industry. Thus, importing dairy products becomes essential to meet the demand for milk and dairy products in Mediterranean climate regions.
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