The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Jute, often referred to as the "Golden Fibre," is a natural fibre crop of significant economic importance in India. It is a bast fibre derived from the secondary phloem of the plant and requires specific climatic conditions typical of the tropical monsoon belt.
Statement 1: Incorrect
Jute fibre is obtained from the stem (specifically the bark or bast layer) of the jute plant, not the leaves. The fibres are extracted through a process called retting, where the stems are submerged in water to decompose the non-fibrous tissues, allowing the fibres to be separated.
Statement 2: Correct
Jute is a Kharif crop, which means it is cultivated primarily during the rainy season. It requires a hot and humid climate with temperatures ranging between 24°C to 35°C and heavy rainfall (150–250 cm) to thrive.
Statement 3: Correct
In India, jute cultivation is concentrated in the eastern states due to the availability of fertile alluvial soil and abundant water for processing. West Bengal is the leading producer, followed by Bihar and Assam. Odisha and Meghalaya are also minor producers.
Key Takeaway:
Jute is a stem-derived bast fibre cultivated as a Kharif crop (rainy season) primarily in the alluvial plains of West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam.