The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Rice is the staple food crop for a majority of the population in India. It is a Kharif crop that requires specific tropical climatic conditions for optimal cultivation.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Rice cultivation requires high temperature (above 25°C) and high humidity. It does not thrive in conditions of low temperature and low humidity.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Rice is a water-intensive crop that requires high rainfall, typically with an annual precipitation above 100 cm. In regions with lower rainfall, it is cultivated using irrigation.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The crop grows best in soils capable of holding water. Alluvial clayey soil is considered ideal for rice cultivation because its texture ensures high water retention, which is necessary for the standing water required during the growth period.
Key Takeaway: Rice is a tropical Kharif crop that demands high heat, high humidity, substantial rainfall (above 100 cm), and water-retentive clayey alluvial soil.