Correct Option (b):
Gujarat exhibits all the mentioned characteristics:
- The northern regions of Gujarat, particularly bordering Rajasthan and encompassing parts of Kutch, are characterized by arid and semi-arid climatic conditions.
- The central part of the state, including areas within Saurashtra and districts like Kheda and Vadodara, is a prominent cotton-producing belt.
- Agriculture in Gujarat demonstrates a significant emphasis on cash crops such as cotton, groundnut, tobacco, and cumin, often prioritizing their cultivation over staple food crops.
Incorrect Options:
- (a) Andhra Pradesh: While cotton is cultivated, the northern parts of Andhra Pradesh are not arid or semi-arid; they experience a tropical wet and dry climate. Food crops like rice are also highly dominant.
- (c) Karnataka: Cotton is grown in the central and northern parts, and northern Karnataka does have semi-arid regions. However, the state's agricultural profile is more balanced, with substantial cultivation of both food crops (e.g., ragi, jowar) and cash crops.
- (d) Tamil Nadu: Cash crops are significant, but the northern part of the state is not arid. While cotton is grown, it is not as centrally predominant as in Gujarat, and food crops like rice hold major importance.