With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last five years, consider the following statements:

1. Area under rice cultivation is the highest.
2. Area under cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds.
3. Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane.
4. Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 2 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Rice is the primary Kharif crop in India, and its cultivated area is the largest among all Kharif crops.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• The cultivation area for Jowar is smaller compared to that of oilseeds.

Statement 3 is correct

• Area under cotton cultivation is significantly larger than that of sugarcane.

Statement 4 is incorrect

• Area under sugarcane cultivation is fluctuating; it has not steadily decreased.

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Hard