Consider the following statements: 1. Bajra is predominantly grown in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, while Ragi is mainly cultivated in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 2. Bajra grows well in sandy and shallow black soils, whereas red and shallow black soil is suited for Ragi. With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct?

Statement 1 is correct as Bajra (pearl millet) is predominantly grown in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana [2]. Similarly, Ragi (finger millet) is a major crop in Karnataka, which is the largest producer, followed by Tamil Nadu and other states like Uttarakhand [1]. Statement 2 is also correct; Bajra thrives on sandy soils and shallow black soils, while Ragi is well-suited for red, black, sandy, loamy, and shallow black soils [1]. However, statement 2 is not the correct explanation for statement 1. The regional distribution of these crops is determined by a combination of geo-climatic factors including temperature (25-35°C for Bajra) and rainfall (40-50 cm for Bajra vs 70-120 cm for Ragi), rather than soil type alone [2]. Thus, while both statements are factually accurate, the soil preference does not exclusively explain the state-wise distribution.

Sources

1. [1] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 4: The Age of Industrialisation > Major Crops > p. 83
2. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Tobacco > p. 56