NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 1: Crop production and management

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What is the primary agronomic reason that paddy is not typically cultivated during the winter season in India?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AIt requires specific soil texture
BIt requires excessive sunlight
CIt requires a large amount of water
DIt requires low ambient temperatures

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

It requires a large amount of water

Explanation

Paddy (Rice) is a Kharif crop, which means it is primarily cultivated during the rainy season in India. As a tropical crop, its growth and development are heavily dependent on specific climatic conditions, particularly water availability and temperature.

Statement-wise Analysis

It requires excessive sunlight is Incorrect: While sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the primary constraint for rice in winter is not the intensity of sunlight. Rice is a short-day plant, but the lack of water is a more immediate agronomic barrier than light conditions in the Indian context.
It requires a large amount of water is Correct: Paddy is an extremely water-intensive crop. It requires standing water during the early stages of growth. The winter season in India is generally dry with very low precipitation. Therefore, without the heavy rainfall provided by the monsoon, it is agronomically challenging to cultivate paddy unless extensive irrigation is available.
It requires low ambient temperatures is Incorrect: This statement is factually wrong regarding the crop's requirements. Paddy requires high ambient temperatures (typically above 25°C) and high humidity. It does not require low temperatures; in fact, low temperatures (characteristic of winter) can inhibit its growth.
It requires specific soil texture is Incorrect: Soil texture is a geographical feature and does not change seasonally. While rice prefers clayey or loamy soil that retains water, this requirement does not explain the seasonal restriction to the monsoon period.

Key Takeaway

Paddy is cultivated in the rainy season primarily because it requires a large amount of water, which is naturally provided by the monsoon, unlike the dry winter season.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Crop production and management

Which one of the following is an organic soil amendment derived from the decomposition of plant or animal waste?

easy

With reference to the cropping patterns in India, consider the following statements: 1. Kharif crops are generally sown in the rainy season which spans from June to September. 2. Wheat, gram, and mustard are examples of Kharif crops. 3. Rabi crops are grown during the winter season from October to March. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the preparation of soil: 1. Loosening the soil makes it compact and prevents root penetration. 2. Turning the soil brings nutrient-rich soil to the top for plant utilization. 3. Loosened soil promotes the growth of earthworms and soil microbes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to agricultural implements, consider the following statements: 1. A ploughshare is the strong triangular iron strip found in a plough. 2. A hoe is a tool used exclusively for sowing seeds. 3. A cultivator is a manual tool used for harvesting crops. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the sowing of seeds: 1. Damaged seeds are generally lighter than healthy seeds and float on water. 2. The traditional tool for sowing seeds is shaped like a flat blade. 3. A seed drill ensures that seeds are covered by soil after sowing to protect them from birds. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

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The correct option is

It requires a large amount of water

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

It requires excessive sunlight is Incorrect: While sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the primary constraint for rice in winter is not the intensity of sunlight. Rice is a short-day plant, but the lack of water is a more immediate agronomic barrier than light conditions in the Indian context.
It requires a large amount of water is Correct: Paddy is an extremely water-intensive crop. It requires standing water during the early stages of growth. The winter season in India is generally dry with very low precipitation. Therefore, without the heavy rainfall provided by the monsoon, it is agronomically challenging to cultivate paddy unless extensive irrigation is available.
It requires low ambient temperatures is Incorrect: This statement is factually wrong regarding the crop's requirements. Paddy requires high ambient temperatures (typically above 25°C) and high humidity. It does not require low temperatures; in fact, low temperatures (characteristic of winter) can inhibit its growth.
It requires specific soil texture is Incorrect: Soil texture is a geographical feature and does not change seasonally. While rice prefers clayey or loamy soil that retains water, this requirement does not explain the seasonal restriction to the monsoon period.

Key Takeaway

Paddy is cultivated in the rainy season primarily because it requires a large amount of water, which is naturally provided by the monsoon, unlike the dry winter season.