The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
Horticulture in India encompasses a wide range of crops including fruits, vegetables, spices, and plantation crops. The country's diverse agro-climatic zones allow for the cultivation of various crop types suited to different temperature and rainfall patterns.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, ranking immediately after China. This high production volume is supported by India's extensive arable land and favorable climatic conditions for diverse crops.
- Statement 2 is Correct: India possesses distinct tropical, subtropical, and temperate climatic zones. Consequently, it produces a wide variety of fruits beyond just tropical varieties. Temperate fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, and apricots are extensively grown in the Himalayan states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Therefore, the assertion that India produces only tropical fruits is factually wrong.
Key Takeaway
India is the second-largest global producer of fruits and vegetables and cultivates a mix of tropical, subtropical, and temperate crops due to its varied agro-climatic regions.