Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Cotton is a significant cash crop in India, primarily grown in the Kharif season. Its cultivation is characterized by specific labor requirements for harvesting and high input costs related to seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Cotton bolls do not burst all at once; they mature and open at different times. Consequently, harvesting is not a one-time event but requires repeated pickings. This process is labor-intensive and takes several days to complete as farmers or laborers must pick the cotton as the bolls ripen.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Cotton cultivation is input-intensive. It requires significant expenditure on high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and specifically pesticides, as the crop is highly susceptible to pests (e.g., bollworms). It does not rely on low levels of inputs.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Due to the high cost of inputs, small farmers often borrow money to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. If the crop fails due to pests or erratic rainfall, or if market prices fluctuate, farmers are unable to repay loans, leading to a cycle of indebtedness. This is a prevalent issue in India's cotton-growing regions.
Key Takeaway: Cotton cultivation is a capital-intensive and high-risk agricultural activity that requires prolonged labor for harvesting and often pushes small farmers into debt due to high input costs and market volatility.