Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Natural rubber is an equatorial crop, but under special conditions, it is also grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas. It requires specific climatic conditions, including high temperature and heavy rainfall, to thrive.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Rubber requires a moist and humid climate with heavy rainfall of more than 200 cm annually. It does not tolerate dry spells well and requires evenly distributed rainfall.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Rubber is not a temperate crop. It is a crop of the tropics and requires a temperature consistently above 25°C. It cannot survive in the cold conditions typical of temperate zones.
- Statement 3 is Correct: In India, rubber cultivation is heavily concentrated in the southern states. Kerala is the largest producer, accounting for the vast majority of the country's total rubber production. Other growing areas include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and recently, parts of the North East (e.g., Tripura).
Key Takeaway
Rubber is a tropical plantation crop requiring high temperatures (>25°C), heavy rainfall (>200 cm), and high humidity; in India, its production is dominated by Kerala.