1996 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 58: Geography
Which one of the following sets of conditions is necessary for a good cultivation of wheat?
aModerate temperature and moderate rainfall
bHigh temperature and heavy rainfall
cHigh temperature and moderate rainfall
dLow temperature and low rainfall
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Wheat is a rabi crop of temperate climates: it needs a cool growing season, warm weather at ripening, and moderate rainfall (roughly 50-75 cm), which in India comes from winter rain and irrigation. High temperature with heavy rainfall suits rice, not wheat, and very low rainfall without irrigation is too dry. Remember: wheat - cool, moderately moist winter.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: moderate temperature and moderate rainfall suit wheat.
- (b) High temperature and heavy rain suit crops like rice, and damage wheat.
- (c) Wheat needs a cool growing season, not high temperature.
- (d) Low temperature and low rainfall is too dry for good yields without irrigation.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.