Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop? (UPSC Prelims 2021)

Question

The correct answer is [A] Sugarcane. Water efficiency in agriculture refers to the amount of water required to produce a unit of biomass or yield. A \"least water-efficient\" crop requires a disproportionately high amount of water over its long growing cycle.

Sugarcane (Statement A – Correct): It is a perennial crop with a long duration (10 to 18 months). It is highly water-intensive, requiring approximately 1500–2500 mm of water per crop cycle. In India, its cultivation in water-stressed regions like Maharashtra has led to significant groundwater depletion.
Sunflower (Statement B – Incorrect): This is a moderately water-efficient oilseed crop. It has a shorter duration (around 90–100 days) and requires significantly less water (450–650 mm) compared to sugarcane.
Pearl Millet/Bajra (Statement C – Incorrect): Known as a \"climate-resilient\" crop, pearl millet is highly water-efficient. It is a C4 plant that can grow in arid and semi-arid regions with minimal rainfall (350–500 mm).
Red Gram/Arhar/Tur (Statement D – Incorrect): As a pulse crop, red gram is relatively drought-tolerant. It requires about 600–850 mm of water and is often grown in rainfed conditions, making it far more water-efficient than sugarcane.

While sugarcane occupies only a small percentage of India\'s total cropped area, it consumes a vast majority of the country\'s irrigation water. This mismatch is a major point of discussion in Indian agricultural policy and sustainable water management.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

Sugarcane The correct answer is [A] Sugarcane. Water efficiency in agriculture refers to the amount of water required to produce a unit of biomass or yield. A \"least water-efficient\" crop requires a disproportionately high amount of water over its long growing cycle.

Sugarcane (Statement A – Correct): It is a perennial crop with a long duration (10 to 18 months). It is highly water-intensive, requiring approximately 1500–2500 mm of water per crop cycle. In India, its cultivation in water-stressed regions like Maharashtra has led to significant groundwater depletion.
Sunflower (Statement B – Incorrect): This is a moderately water-efficient oilseed crop. It has a shorter duration (around 90–100 days) and requires significantly less water (450–650 mm) compared to sugarcane.
Pearl Millet/Bajra (Statement C – Incorrect): Known as a \"climate-resilient\" crop, pearl millet is highly water-efficient. It is a C4 plant that can grow in arid and semi-arid regions with minimal rainfall (350–500 mm).
Red Gram/Arhar/Tur (Statement D – Incorrect): As a pulse crop, red gram is relatively drought-tolerant. It requires about 600–850 mm of water and is often grown in rainfed conditions, making it far more water-efficient than sugarcane.

While sugarcane occupies only a small percentage of India\'s total cropped area, it consumes a vast majority of the country\'s irrigation water. This mismatch is a major point of discussion in Indian agricultural policy and sustainable water management.

Current Affairs

Daily MCQs

Monthly MCQs

Topic Wise CA MCQs

CA MCQs in Other Languages

GK MCQs Section

SSC/RRB/States Level MCQs