Economic Geography : Agriculture

Q 17 / 27

UPSC CSE Prelims 2003

Consider the following statements:

  1. India is the original home of the cotton plant
  2. India is the first country in the world to develop hybrid cotton variety leading to increased production

Which of these statements is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Statement 1 is correct. India is recognized as one of the original homes of the cotton plant. Archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization demonstrates cotton cultivation and its use in textiles dating back to approximately 3000 BCE, indicating its ancient presence in the subcontinent.

Statement 2 is correct. India was the first country globally to develop a commercial hybrid cotton variety. The Hybrid-4 (H-4) was released in 1970, which significantly contributed to increasing cotton production and yields in the country, marking a major advancement in agricultural technology.

Incorrect Options

Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect because both statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate, making option (c) the correct choice.

SOURCENCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 4: Agriculture