The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
In agricultural land use analysis, distinctions are made between the physical land area available for cultivation and the frequency of its usage within an agricultural year. Key metrics include Net Sown Area (NSA), Gross Cropped Area (GCA), and Cropping Intensity.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
The Net Sown Area represents the physical extent of land on which crops are sown and harvested. In India, this varies significantly due to topography, climate, and soil conditions. For instance, the Net Sown Area is over 80% of the total geographical area in states like Punjab and Haryana, whereas it is less than 10% in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Statement 2 is Correct:
Cropping Intensity is calculated as (Gross Cropped Area / Net Sown Area) × 100. Assured irrigation facilities allow farmers to cultivate crops more than once in a single agricultural year (multiple cropping). Therefore, regions with assured irrigation generally exhibit higher cropping intensity compared to rainfed regions, where cultivation may be limited to a single season.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
Gross Cropped Area (GCA) is defined as the total area sown once and/or more than once in a particular year. It is calculated as Net Sown Area + Area sown more than once. Consequently, GCA is directly dependent on multiple cropping practices; as the frequency of cropping increases, the GCA increases.
Key Takeaway:
Cropping Intensity reflects the efficiency of land use; it increases with the availability of irrigation and the practice of multiple cropping, which expands the Gross Cropped Area relative to the Net Sown Area.