The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin is characterized by fertile alluvial soil, flat terrain, and a monsoon climate. These geographical factors determine the cropping patterns of the region.- Statement 1 is Correct: Paddy is the dominant crop in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin. The region provides the flat plains and fertile alluvial soil necessary for its extensive cultivation.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Paddy cultivation is water-intensive. It requires standing water in the fields, especially during the initial growth stages, and cannot be cultivated with very little water.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Paddy is grown in areas with high rainfall (typically above 100 cm). In the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin, the monsoon brings sufficient rain to support this crop. It is not a crop suitable for low-rainfall areas without irrigation.
Key Takeaway: Paddy cultivation requires high temperature, high humidity, fertile alluvial soil, and substantial rainfall, making it the primary crop of the wet Ganga-Brahmaputra plains.