UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 62: Geography
Which one of the following is an important crop of the Barak valley?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
The Barak valley (Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi in southern Assam) is a low, flood-prone alluvial plain, which suits jute alongside rice, and the key names jute as its crop. Tea is the valley's other well-known crop, with estates around Cachar, which is why the question is weak. Remember: Brahmaputra valley - tea; Barak valley - rice, jute and tea.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The key's answer: jute.
- (b) Tea is grown on the valley's estates around Cachar, but is not the key's pick.
- (c) Sugarcane is not the Barak valley's characteristic crop.
- (d) Cotton is not an important crop of the humid Barak valley.
Worth knowing: Tea is the Barak valley's best-known plantation crop (the Cachar estates), so (b) also fits.
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.