- Groundnut
- Sesamum
- Pearl millet
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Notes: The correct answer is [D] 1, 2 and 3. In India, a significant portion of the net sown area (approximately 50-60%) is still dependent on rainfall rather than organized irrigation. The crops mentioned are typical of these rainfed or dryland farming systems.
- Groundnut (Statement 1 is Correct): While groundnut is grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, the vast majority of India's groundnut production occurs during the Kharif season under rainfed conditions. Major producing states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh rely heavily on the monsoon for this crop. It is relatively drought-tolerant but sensitive to water stress during the flowering and pod-formation stages.
- Sesamum (Til) - (Statement 2 is Correct): Sesamum is a hardy crop that requires relatively little water compared to other oilseeds. It is predominantly grown as a rainfed Kharif crop in states like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It is highly valued in dryland agriculture because it can thrive on residual soil moisture.
- Pearl Millet (Bajra) - (Statement 3 is Correct): Bajra is the quintessential crop of the arid and semi-arid regions of India (especially Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Haryana). It is exceptionally drought-resistant and is almost entirely grown as a rainfed crop. It can produce a reasonable yield even in areas with low rainfall and poor soil fertility where other crops would fail.
| Crop | Water Requirement | Major Rainfed Regions |
| Groundnut | Moderate | Saurashtra (Gujarat), Rayalaseema (AP) |
| Sesamum | Low | Semi-arid tracts of MP and Rajasthan |
| Pearl Millet | Very Low | Thar Desert margins, Deccan Plateau |
