Question
Describe the geographical environment necessary for the cultivation of rice or coffee in India.
Answer
Geographical environment necessary for the cultivation of rice in India:
- Climatic condition: Rice is mainly grown in areas with high rainfall, high humidity, and high temperature throughout the year. It requires a temperature range of 20°C to 35°C, with an annual rainfall of 100-200 cm.
- Land: Rice is generally grown in flat or gently sloping lands with standing water. Fields are terraced in hilly regions. The fields need to be levelled and well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
- Soil: Rice is grown in a variety of soils, but it grows best in fertile alluvial soils that are rich in organic matter. It can also grow in lateritic soils and red soils with proper nutrient management.
- Agricultural labour: Rice requires intensive labour for its cultivation. The planting, weeding, and harvesting of rice are all labour-intensive activities.
Geographical environment necessary for the cultivation of coffee in India:
- Climatic condition: Coffee grows in tropical and subtropical regions with a well-distributed annual rainfall of 150-250 cm. The temperature should range between 15°C to 28°C, with no frost or extreme heat.
- Land: Coffee grows best in hilly areas at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1500 meters. The slopes should be gentle and well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
- Soil: Coffee plants require well-drained and acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil for coffee cultivation is loamy and rich in humus.
- Agricultural labour: Coffee requires skilled labour for its cultivation, such as pruning and harvesting. The harvest season is short, which requires a large workforce for a short period.
