Which of the following is a drought-tolerant crop?

Correct option is C

​The correct answer is (c) Millet

Explanation:

• Millet is a drought-tolerant crop that can grow in arid and semi-arid regions with minimal water supply.
• It is highly adaptable to poor soil conditions and requires less irrigation compared to other staple crops.
• Common millet varieties:Bajra (Pearl Millet), Jowar (Sorghum), Ragi (Finger Millet) are widely cultivated in India, Africa, and dry regions of Asia.

Information Booster:

Millets: Nutrient-Rich and Climate-Resilient Crops

• Millets are a diverse group of small-seeded grasses cultivated globally for food and fodder.
• They are known for their resilience, thriving in dry and high-temperature conditions with short growing cycles.
• Nutrient-dense, millets surpass rice and wheat in minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and amino acid composition.
• While wheat contains gluten, which may cause gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders, millets like Bajra (pearl millet) offer a gluten-free alternative.
• Bajra is rich in iron, zinc, and protein, comparable to wheat, but with higher fiber content, helping combat “hidden hunger.”

India & Millets:

• India is the largest producer of millets in the world.
• 2023 was declared the "International Year of Millets" by the UN to promote their benefits.
• Millets are a key crop in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.

Additional Knowledge:

Jute:

• Requires hot and humid climate with high rainfall (100-150 cm).
• Grown mainly in West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam.
  

Rice

• Needs standing water for cultivation (paddy fields).
• Requires high rainfall (100-200 cm).
  

Sugarcane:

• Requires high water consumption for proper growth.
• Needs good irrigation systems and tropical climate.