The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is characterized by fertile alluvial soil, ample rainfall, and a varied climate. These geographical factors support diverse agricultural activities, including the cultivation of specific cash crops and sericulture, distinct from the region's natural vegetation.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Sericulture, the commercial rearing of silkworms for the production of silk, is a prominent activity in specific parts of the basin. Bihar (notably Bhagalpur) and Assam (famous for Muga and Eri silk) are key regions for silk production.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Tea plantations require specific geographical conditions, such as well-drained soil, high rainfall, and typically sloping terrain to prevent waterlogging. Within the basin, tea is extensively grown in Assam and West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri). It is not exclusively found in the plains of Uttar Pradesh; in fact, the plains of UP are not a major tea-producing zone.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Jute is a major cash crop in this region, particularly in the humid plains of West Bengal and Assam. The availability of fresh water and alluvial soil makes the basin ideal for jute cultivation.
Key Takeaway:
The economic landscape of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is defined by the cultivation of paddy, jute, and tea (in Assam and West Bengal) and silk production (in Bihar and Assam), supported by the monsoon climate and fertile topography.