Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Cotton cultivation is a significant economic activity that involves specific agricultural characteristics and economic dynamics. It is a cash crop that requires substantial investment in factors of production, particularly capital for inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, and labor for harvesting.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The harvesting of cotton is a prolonged process because the cotton bolls do not ripen and burst all at the same time. Consequently, harvesting requires multiple pickings over several weeks, making it a time-consuming and labor-intensive activity.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Cotton cultivation is input-intensive. It requires high levels of inputs, including fertilizers and pesticides, to manage pests and ensure yield. It is not a crop that can be grown with minimal inputs; rather, the cost of cultivation is generally high.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Due to the high cost of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), small farmers often do not have enough working capital. To meet these heavy expenses, they frequently borrow money from local traders or moneylenders, often at high interest rates or with conditions to sell the produce back to the trader.
Key Takeaway
Cotton is a capital-intensive and labor-intensive cash crop. It requires significant expenditure on inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, often forcing small farmers to rely on informal credit sources, and involves a staggered harvesting process.