Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Sugarcane
Water efficiency of a crop refers to the amount of water required per unit of biomass or yield produced. Sugarcane is the least water-efficient crop among the given options, requiring approximately 1800-2200 mm of water per season. In contrast, sunflower requires about 672 mm/season, pearl millet (a drought-tolerant crop) needs around 350 mm/season, and red gram uses about 250-400 mm/season.
📝 Short Notes: Water Requirements of Major Crops
| Crop | Water Requirement (mm/season) | Water Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Sugarcane | 1800-2200 | Very Low (least efficient) |
| Rice (Paddy) | 1200-1500 | Low |
| Cotton | 700-1300 | Moderate |
| Sunflower | 600-700 | Moderate-High |
| Pearl Millet (Bajra) | 300-400 | High |
| Red Gram (Arhar) | 250-400 | High |
| Sorghum (Jowar) | 400-500 | High |
- Sugarcane: Most water-intensive crop; grown in well-irrigated areas; major water consumer in agriculture
- Millets (Pearl Millet, Sorghum): Drought-resistant crops; suitable for rainfed agriculture; promoted under climate-smart agriculture
- Pulses (Red Gram): Low water requirement; nitrogen-fixing crops; important for food security and sustainable agriculture
- Water-use Efficiency: Measured as crop yield per unit of water consumed; critical parameter for sustainable water management
Question 6 of 11 Major Crops
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