The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
Cotton is a tropical and subtropical crop, often referred to as "White Gold." In India, it is primarily cultivated as a Kharif crop and requires specific climatic conditions, including high temperatures and a long frost-free period, to thrive.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Cotton grows best in the drier parts of the black cotton soil (Regur soil) found in the Deccan plateau. This soil type is ideal for cotton cultivation due to its high moisture-retentive capacity, which supports the crop in drier conditions.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Cotton is highly sensitive to frost. It requires a minimum of 210 frost-free days for successful growth and maturation. A period of less than 50 days would be detrimental to the crop.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Cotton is a Kharif crop, not a Rabi crop. It is typically sown with the onset of the monsoon. While the statement correctly notes that it requires 6 to 8 months to mature, the classification as a Rabi crop makes the statement factually wrong.
Key Takeaway:
Cotton is a Kharif crop that requires high temperatures (21°C-30°C), light rainfall (50-100 cm), black soil, and at least 210 frost-free days.