2021 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 57: Geography
Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?
aSugarcane
bSunflower
cPearl millet
dRed gram
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Sugarcane is a long-duration, high-biomass crop that stays in the field for 10 to 18 months and needs far more irrigation per unit of produce than millets, pulses or oilseeds. Pearl millet and red gram are hardy, drought-tolerant crops grown largely under rainfed conditions, and sunflower is a moderate water user. So sugarcane is the least water-efficient among the four. Remember: sugarcane and paddy are the classic water-guzzlers.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: sugarcane needs very large amounts of water over a long growing period.
- (b) Wrong: sunflower needs much less water than sugarcane.
- (c) Wrong: pearl millet is a drought-hardy, water-efficient crop.
- (d) Wrong: red gram is a deep-rooted, drought-tolerant pulse.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.