The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Cotton is a tropical and subtropical Kharif crop that serves as a primary raw material for the textile industry. Its cultivation depends heavily on specific climatic parameters and soil characteristics.- Statement 1 is Incorrect: While cotton requires high temperatures (typically between 21°C and 30°C), it does not require heavy rainfall. It thrives in areas with light to moderate rainfall (50 to 100 cm). Heavy rainfall is detrimental as it promotes pest infestation and damages the cotton bolls.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Cotton is extremely sensitive to frost. For proper growth and maturation, it requires a long growing season with at least 210 frost-free days. Bright sunshine is essential during the ripening stage to ensure the cotton bolls burst fully.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Cotton grows best on the black cotton soil (Regur soil) of the Deccan plateau due to its high moisture-retentive capacity. It also cultivates well on the alluvial soils of the Satluj-Ganga plain.
Key Takeaway: Cotton cultivation requires high temperature, light rainfall, 210 frost-free days, bright sunshine during ripening, and is best suited to black (Regur) or alluvial soils.