The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
Millets, commonly known as coarse grains, include Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi. These crops are hardy, possess high nutritional value, and are typically cultivated in regions with lower rainfall and less fertile soil compared to water-intensive crops like rice.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Jowar is the third most important food crop in India with respect to area and production. It is primarily a rain-fed crop mostly grown in moist areas (regions retaining sufficient soil moisture) which hardly requires irrigation.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Bajra is adapted to dry conditions and grows well on sandy soils and shallow black soil. It does not require heavy clayey soil or high rainfall; rather, it thrives in semi-arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Ragi is explicitly a crop of dry regions. It grows well on red, black, sandy, loamy, and shallow black soils. It is not restricted from dry regions; in fact, it is a staple crop in the dry zones of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Key Takeaway:
Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi are millets suited for semi-arid and dry conditions. While Jowar is rain-fed in moist areas, Bajra and Ragi are specifically adapted to dry regions and lighter soil types (sandy, loamy, or shallow black).