"The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop."Which one of the following is that crop?

1. A

   Cotton

   Cotton. Subtropical, frost-tender, ~210 frost-free days, 50–100 cm rain, light well-drained soil.

2. B

   Jute

   Jute. Needs much more water and alluvium; humid Bengal.

3. C

   Sugarcane

   Sugarcane. 75–150 cm and more, long season, but the 210-day + 50–100 cm pack is the cotton textbook.

4. D

   Tea

   Tea. Hills, mist, acidic soils, well above 100 cm.

Summary. Official key is (a) cotton. The NCERT-type line — subtropical, no hard frost, about 210 frost-free days, 50–100 cm rain, light moisture-retentive soil — is cotton, not jute, cane or tea.