Statement I : The semi-arid tracts of India stretching from eastern Rajasthan in the north to south central Tamil Nadu are agriculturally less productive Statement II : The semi-arid tracts are homeland to a large number of central Indian Scheduled Tribe population

Statement I is true as the semi-arid tracts of India, extending from eastern Rajasthan through the Deccan plateau to south-central Tamil Nadu, are characterized by low and erratic rainfall (400-800 mm), high evapotranspiration, and water scarcity [2][t1]. These factors, coupled with low groundwater tables and fragile soils, traditionally result in lower agricultural productivity compared to irrigated plains [t1][t7]. Statement II is also true; the central Indian belt, which overlaps with parts of these semi-arid tracts (especially in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra), is the primary homeland for a large portion of India's Scheduled Tribe population, such as the Bhils and Gonds. However, Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I. The low agricultural productivity is primarily due to hydro-meteorological constraints like rainfall variability and lack of irrigation [t1][t2], rather than the demographic composition of the region.

Sources

1. [1] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context > Drought Prone Area Programme > p. 67
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > DROUGHTS > p. 43