Agriculture of India – NDA Geography PYQs

NDA 2024-II

Q. 1. Any land that is left fallow for more than five years is termed as:

(a) Current fallow

(b) Fallow other than current fallow

(c) Cultivable waste land

(d) Barren and waste land

Answer: (c) Cultivable waste land

Explanation: Land use classification in India (as per the Land Use Statistics system): Current fallow — land left uncultivated for less than one year (i.e., during the current year). Fallow other than current fallow — land left uncultivated for 1–5 years. Cultivable waste land — land left uncultivated for more than 5 years. It can potentially be brought under cultivation. Barren and waste land — permanently uncultivable land (rocky, snow-covered, desert). Cannot be cultivated. Concept Tested: Land use categories — cultivable waste land is fallow for more than 5 years; distinguished from barren/waste land

NDA 2023-II

Q. 2. Which one of the following crops is generally benefitted by the rain caused by western disturbances in India?

(a) Rice

(b) Wheat

(c) Bajra

(d) Cotton

Answer: (b) Wheat

Explanation: Western Disturbances bring winter rainfall (December–February) to northern India — particularly Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and UP. Wheat is a Rabi crop grown during winter (October–March). It benefits directly from the winter rainfall brought by Western Disturbances, which reduces the need for irrigation and improves grain quality. Rice is a Kharif crop needing monsoon rain. Bajra and Cotton are also Kharif crops. None of these benefit from Western Disturbance rainfall. Concept Tested: Wheat benefiting from Western Disturbance winter rainfall — Rabi crop timing matches Western Disturbance season

NDA 2021-I

Q. 3. In which one of the following countries is intensive subsistence agriculture not predominantly practised?

(a) India

(b) Japan

(c) Canada

(d) Indonesia

Answer: (c) Canada

Explanation: Intensive subsistence agriculture is characterised by very high labour input per unit area, small farm holdings, and growing crops for own consumption rather than sale. It is practised in densely populated Asian countries with high land-to-population pressure. India (a) — practises intensive subsistence agriculture extensively. Japan (b) — traditionally practised intensive subsistence farming in rice paddies. Indonesia (d) — intensive paddy cultivation is widespread. Canada (c) — Canada practises large-scale, highly mechanised commercial agriculture (especially wheat farming in the Prairies). Intensive subsistence agriculture is NOT practised in Canada. Concept Tested: Intensive subsistence agriculture — practised in densely populated Asian countries; not in mechanised commercial Canada

NDA 2020-I

Q. 4. Dry land farming in India is largely confined to areas with rainfall less than:

(a) 100 cm

(b) 85 cm

(c) 80 cm

(d) 75 cm

Answer: (d) 75 cm

Explanation: Dry land farming (also called rainfed farming without irrigation) is practised in areas that receive less than 75 cm of annual rainfall. In such regions, crops must be selected and managed specifically to survive on limited moisture. India has about 68% of its total cropped area under rainfed (dryland) agriculture. The major dryland farming regions include Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra (Marathwada, Vidarbha), Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Concept Tested: Dryland farming threshold in India — less than 75 cm annual rainfall

Q. 5. For an area to be excluded from the drought-prone category, what percentage of its gross cropped area should be under irrigation?

(a) 10 per cent or more

(b) 20 per cent or more

(c) 25 per cent or more

(d) 30 per cent or more

Answer: (d) 30 per cent or more

Explanation: According to the Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) criteria used by the Government of India, an area is excluded from the drought-prone category if 30% or more of its gross cropped area is under irrigation. This threshold is used in planning drought relief, agricultural development, and water resource allocation. Areas below this threshold are classified as drought-prone and receive special government attention and funding. Concept Tested: Drought-prone area classification — 30% or more of gross cropped area under irrigation required for exclusion

NDA 2019-II

Q. 6. Which one of the following is a Rabi Crop in the Northern States of India?

(a) Rice

(b) Bajra

(c) Barley

(d) Ragi

Answer: (c) Barley

Explanation: Rabi crops are winter crops sown around October–November and harvested in March–April. They grow in cool and dry weather. Barley is a classic Rabi crop grown in the northern states — Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana. Rice is a Kharif crop (sown in June–July, harvested October). Bajra is also a Kharif crop (grown in arid conditions). Ragi is typically a Kharif crop in peninsular India. Concept Tested: Barley as a Rabi crop in northern India — sown October–November, harvested March–April

NDA 2018-I

Q. 7. Which of the following conditions is/are essential for tea cultivation?

1. Tropical and sub-tropical climate

2. Heavy rainfall ranging from 150 cm to 250 cm

3. Soil should contain good amount of lime

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: Statement 1 (Tropical and sub-tropical climate) — Correct. Tea grows in tropical to subtropical regions with warm temperatures and high humidity. Major tea zones in India include Assam (tropical), Darjeeling (subtropical), and the Nilgiris (subtropical). Statement 2 (Heavy rainfall 150–250 cm) — Correct. Tea requires abundant and well-distributed rainfall. The major tea-growing areas in India all receive 150–250+ cm per year. Statement 3 (Good amount of lime) — Incorrect. Tea requires ACIDIC soil — a pH of about 4.5 to 5.5. Lime is an alkaline substance that raises pH. Adding lime to tea soil would make it alkaline and unsuitable for tea. Tea should not be grown in lime-rich soil. Concept Tested: Tea cultivation conditions — tropical/subtropical climate and heavy rainfall required; lime-rich soil is harmful to tea

★ JOVIK Exam Insight Tea and lime is a classic NDA trap. Tea requires acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5). Lime makes soil alkaline. So lime is HARMFUL to tea, not beneficial. This same principle appeared in the Soils chapter (lime raises pH). Connect the two chapters: lime → alkaline → unsuitable for tea.

NDA 2017-II

Q. 8. Golden rice is a genetically-modified crop plant where the incorporated gene is meant for biosynthesis of:

(a) Omega-3 fatty acids

(b) Vitamin A

(c) Vitamin B

(d) Vitamin C

Answer: (b) Vitamin A

Explanation: Golden Rice is a genetically modified variety of rice (Oryza sativa) that has been bioengineered to produce beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A) in the edible grain. Normal white rice does not contain beta-carotene. The name “Golden Rice” comes from the yellow-orange colour of the grain due to beta-carotene. It was developed to address Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), a major public health problem in parts of Asia and Africa that causes night blindness and immune system weakness. Concept Tested: Golden Rice — GM crop producing beta-carotene (Vitamin A precursor) to address Vitamin A deficiency

NDA 2017-I

Q. 9. Consider the following statements pertaining to Coffee plantation in India:

1. Need warm and moist climate with a spell of dry weather during the ripening period.

2. Rolling fields having good drainage.

3. Strong sunshine over hilly slopes exceeding temperature 35°C.

4. Karnataka is the leading producer in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 4

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 4

Explanation: Statement 1 (warm, moist climate with dry spell during ripening) — Correct. Coffee needs warmth and moisture during growth but a dry period during ripening to concentrate sugars and flavours. This is typical of the Western Ghats. Statement 2 (rolling fields, good drainage) — Correct. Coffee does not tolerate waterlogging. Well-drained, sloping terrain in hilly areas is ideal. Statement 3 (temperature exceeding 35°C) — Incorrect. Coffee grows best in temperatures between 15°C and 28°C. Temperatures above 30–32°C are actually harmful to coffee plants. High temperatures cause premature ripening and reduced quality. Statement 4 (Karnataka is leading producer) — Correct. Karnataka produces approximately 70% of India’s total coffee output, mainly in Kodagu (Coorg), Chikmagalur, and Hassan districts. Concept Tested: Coffee cultivation conditions — warm-moist climate with dry ripening period, good drainage; Karnataka as top producer

NDA 2016-II

Q. 10. Which one of the following is the correct descending order of countries in terms of per capita availability of arable land?

(a) India — China — Brazil

(b) China — Brazil — India

(c) Brazil — China — India

(d) Brazil — India — China

Answer: (d) Brazil — India — China

Explanation: Per capita arable land depends on total arable land divided by total population. Brazil has a large arable land area (~60 million hectares) but a relatively smaller population (~215 million) — giving high per capita arable land. India has a large arable area (~156 million hectares) but an enormous population (~1.4 billion) — moderate per capita availability. China has a large arable area (~120 million hectares) but a very large population (~1.4 billion) — and much of China is mountainous or arid, reducing effective arable area — giving lower per capita availability than India. Descending order: Brazil > India > China. Concept Tested: Per capita arable land comparison — Brazil (highest) > India > China (lowest among three)

NDA 2016-I

Q. 11. Statement I: Plantation farming has mostly been practised in humid tropics.

Statement II: The soil of humid tropics is highly fertile.

(a) Both the Statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

(b) Both the Statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer: (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Explanation: Statement I — Correct. Plantation agriculture (rubber, tea, coffee, cocoa, banana) is practised primarily in the humid tropical regions of Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The high rainfall and warm temperatures support year-round cultivation of these commercial crops. Statement II — False. Soils of the humid tropics are actually NOT highly fertile. They are heavily leached — nutrients are washed downward by intense rainfall, leaving behind iron and aluminium-rich but nutrient-poor laterite soils. The high biological productivity of tropical regions comes from rapid nutrient cycling through vegetation, not from fertile soil. So Statement I is correct but Statement II is false — answer is (c). Concept Tested: Humid tropical soil — actually poor and leached (laterite), NOT fertile; plantation agriculture practised despite this

NDA 2015-I

Q. 12. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) Kerala is the largest producer of natural rubber in India.

(b) Neyveli is an important thermal power generating area of Tamil Nadu.

(c) Ratnagiri bauxite mining area is located in Karnataka.

(d) Assam is the largest tea producing state in India.

Answer: (c) Ratnagiri bauxite mining area is located in Karnataka

Explanation: Option (c) is the NOT correct statement. Ratnagiri is a coastal district in Maharashtra, not Karnataka. The Ratnagiri area is known for bauxite deposits in Maharashtra. (a) Kerala is the largest producer of natural rubber in India ✓ — approximately 90%+ of India’s natural rubber comes from Kerala. (b) Neyveli is India’s largest lignite/coal mining site and a major thermal power generation area in Tamil Nadu ✓. (d) Assam is the largest tea-producing state in India ✓ — Assam tea accounts for approximately 50–55% of India’s total tea production. Concept Tested: Ratnagiri is in Maharashtra (NOT Karnataka) — an incorrectly placed geographic fact

NDA 2013-II

Q. 13. Which of the following statements are correct?

1. Assam produces nearly 80% of jute in India.

2. Jute grows well on loamy soil.

3. Hot and humid conditions are ideal for growing jute.

4. Jute is commonly cultivated with wheat in rotation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only

Explanation: Statement 1 (Assam produces ~80% of jute) — Incorrect. West Bengal is the largest jute-producing state in India, accounting for over 70% of national production. Assam is a producer but not the dominant one. Statement 2 (Jute grows on loamy soil) — Correct. Jute thrives on well-drained loamy to sandy-loam alluvial soils in river valleys and deltas. Statement 3 (Hot and humid conditions ideal) — Correct. Jute requires high temperature (25–35°C), high humidity, and heavy rainfall (150–200 cm) — conditions typical of the Ganga–Brahmaputra delta region. Statement 4 (Jute cultivated with wheat in rotation) — Incorrect. Jute is typically grown in rotation with rice, not wheat. The wheat belt and the jute belt occupy different climate zones. Concept Tested: Jute cultivation — loamy soil and hot-humid conditions correct; Assam and wheat rotation claims incorrect

NDA 2013-I

Q. 14. In India, increase in population and diversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes have resulted in the decrease of:

(a) Forested land

(b) Cultivable wasteland

(c) Net sown area

(d) Double-cropped area

Answer: (c) Net sown area

Explanation: Net Sown Area (NSA) is the total area actually sown with crops in a year — counting each piece of land only once regardless of how many times it is cropped. As population grows, land that was previously under agriculture is converted to urban areas, roads, industries, and other non-agricultural uses. This directly reduces the net sown area. Forested land actually decreased separately due to encroachment and deforestation. Cultivable wasteland may actually increase or stay constant. Double-cropped area has generally increased due to irrigation expansion. Concept Tested: Net sown area declining due to urbanisation and diversion of agricultural land to non-farm uses

NDA 2012-I

Q. 15. Which one among the following is the most important source of fish catch in India?

(a) Deep-sea fishes

(b) Coastal fisheries

(c) Inland natural fisheries

(d) Inland cultural fisheries

Answer: (b) Coastal fisheries

Explanation: Coastal fisheries — fishing along the continental shelf within 200 nautical miles (Exclusive Economic Zone) — is the most important source of fish catch in India by volume. India has a long coastline of approximately 7,516 km. The warm coastal waters support a high diversity of marine fish species. This sector accounts for the majority of India’s total fish production. Deep-sea fishing is less developed in India. Inland fisheries (rivers and ponds) contribute significantly but less than coastal fisheries in total volume. Concept Tested: Coastal fisheries as India’s largest source of fish catch — EEZ and long coastline

Q. 16. Which one among the following agricultural crops/groups of crops may be grown in abundance in lowlands and river deltas of fertile alluvial soil where there is high summer temperature and rainfall varies from 180 cm to 250 cm?

(a) Wheat and sugarcane

(b) Cotton

(c) Maize and coarse crops

(d) Rice, jute and tea

Answer: (d) Rice, jute and tea

Explanation: The conditions described — lowland and river delta alluvial soil, high summer temperature, heavy rainfall (180–250 cm) — match the humid tropical lowlands of eastern India (Assam, West Bengal, Odisha coast) and parts of the Western Ghats region. Rice thrives in standing water and high humidity. Jute grows in hot, humid conditions on alluvial soils (especially the Ganga–Brahmaputra delta). Tea grows on hill slopes with high rainfall and good drainage adjacent to these lowland zones. Wheat requires moderate temperatures and less water. Cotton requires well-drained black soil and less rainfall. These do not match the given conditions. Concept Tested: Crops suited to humid tropical lowlands — rice, jute, and tea growing conditions

Q. 17. Which one among the following is the major reason for low agricultural productivity in dry regions of India?

(a) Constraints of financial resources

(b) Rural indebtedness

(c) Dependence on erratic monsoon

(d) Small size of landholdings

Answer: (c) Dependence on erratic monsoon

Explanation: In dry (arid and semi-arid) regions of India — particularly Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka — agriculture depends heavily on monsoon rainfall. The monsoon is erratic (irregular and unpredictable) in these regions. When monsoon fails or is below average, crops fail. This dependence on an uncertain rainfall source is the primary structural reason for low and variable agricultural productivity in dry regions. Financial constraints and small landholdings are also issues, but they are secondary problems — the fundamental constraint is the availability of water. Concept Tested: Dependence on erratic monsoon as the primary cause of low agricultural productivity in dry regions of India

NDA 2011-II

Q. 18. 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 Tribes population.

(a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

(b) Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer: (b) Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

Explanation: Statement I — Correct. The semi-arid belt from eastern Rajasthan through the Deccan plateau to south-central Tamil Nadu has limited rainfall, shallow soils, and periodic drought — making it less productive agriculturally. Statement II — Correct. The tribal populations of central India (Scheduled Tribes) are concentrated in the semi-arid and forested zones of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra. However, Statement II does not explain Statement I. The tribal concentration is a separate demographic fact. Agricultural productivity is low due to climate, water scarcity, and soil quality — not because of the tribal population. The two statements are independently correct but unrelated. Concept Tested: Semi-arid India — low agricultural productivity (climate) vs. tribal population (separate demographic fact)

Q. 19. Which of the following is/are the chief characteristics of commercial grain farming of the middle latitude grasslands?

1. The size of farms are generally large.

2. Cultivation is highly mechanised.

3. It is a type of extensive farming.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Commercial grain farming in the middle latitude grasslands (e.g., the American Great Plains, Canadian Prairies, Australian Wheat Belt, Ukrainian steppes) is characterised by all three features: Large farm size (1) — Farms span hundreds or thousands of hectares. This is essential for commercial viability. Highly mechanised (2) — Combines, tractors, and automated equipment are used extensively because the large area makes manual labour impractical. Extensive farming (3) — Large areas are cultivated with relatively low labour and capital input per unit area. Output per hectare may be modest, but total output is high due to scale. Concept Tested: Commercial grain farming — large farms, high mechanisation, and extensive nature in mid-latitude grasslands

NDA 2011-I

Q. 20. Which one among the following is the best reason for the marked increase in agricultural production in India in the past decades?

(a) Increase in the area under cultivation

(b) Conversion of barren land into agricultural land

(c) Use of improved agricultural methods and technologies

(d) Priority status given by successive governments to agricultural sector over the industry sector

Answer: (c) Use of improved agricultural methods and technologies

Explanation: The Green Revolution (from the mid-1960s onwards) and subsequent agricultural advances drove the marked increase in India’s agricultural production. The key drivers were high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides, improved irrigation, and modern mechanisation — collectively described as improved agricultural methods and technologies. The total area under cultivation in India has not increased significantly in the post-independence era — most cultivable land was already under use. Governments prioritised industry as well as agriculture, so option (d) overstates the agricultural priority. Concept Tested: Green Revolution and improved agricultural technology as the primary driver of India’s agricultural growth

★ JOVIK Exam Insight This question appears twice in the source (as Q115 and Q125 — both marked NDA 2011-I with identical wording). The answer is (c) Use of improved agricultural methods and technologies. The Green Revolution is the key concept — HYV seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, and mechanisation are the core components.

NDA 2009-II

Q. 21. What is the reason for India being a major producer of different varieties of fruits and vegetables?

(a) Its large population size

(b) Its large land area

(c) Variation in its agro-climatic conditions

(d) Diversity in socio-cultural phenomenon

Answer: (c) Variation in its agro-climatic conditions

Explanation: India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of fruits and vegetables. The primary reason is the vast variation in agro-climatic conditions across the country. India has tropical, subtropical, semi-arid, arid, and alpine zones. Different altitudes, rainfall patterns, temperatures, and soil types allow an enormous variety of crops to grow — from mangoes in the tropics to apples in Himachal Pradesh, and from coconuts on the coast to strawberries in the hills. Population size and land area create demand and availability respectively, but they do not explain the variety of crops grown. Concept Tested: India’s diverse agro-climatic zones enabling production of wide variety of fruits and vegetables

NDA 2008-II

Q. 22. Assertion (A): The cotton industry in India suffered a major recession soon after the independence.

Reason (R): Most of the cotton mills had gone to west Pakistan, India retaining the cotton growing areas.

(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A is false but R is true

Answer: (c) A is true but R is false

Explanation: Assertion A — True. India’s cotton textile industry did face difficulties after Partition and independence, as the economy adjusted to the new political geography. Reason R — False. The statement is inverted. At Partition, it was the cotton-growing areas that went largely to West Pakistan (particularly the Indus plain cotton belt of Punjab and Sindh), while India retained most of the cotton MILLS (especially in Mumbai/Ahmedabad). This is the opposite of what R states. The actual challenge was that India retained the mills but lost access to a significant portion of its raw cotton supply area, causing a supply-side problem. This makes R factually incorrect. Concept Tested: Partition impact on cotton industry — India kept mills but lost cotton-growing areas to West Pakistan (opposite of Reason R)

NDA 2007-II

Q. 23. In the given map, three areas are marked with numbers. Which of them represent(s) sugarcane growing area(s)?

[Note: This is a map-based question. The source map is not available. The source records the answer as (d) 1, 2 and 3.]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Sugarcane is grown in two broad belts in India: the northern belt (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana — the Gangetic plain) and the southern/peninsular belt (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh). All three numbered areas on the original map represent sugarcane-growing zones. Without the original map, the exact areas cannot be confirmed independently. Concept Tested: Sugarcane growing regions — northern Gangetic plains and southern peninsular belt

Q. 24. In which of the following Hills is tea cultivated?

(a) Maikala Hills

(b) Nallamalai Hills

(c) Nilgiri Hills

(d) Shivalik Hills

Answer: (c) Nilgiri Hills

Explanation: Tea is cultivated in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Nilgiris (Blue Mountains) offer the ideal conditions for tea: cool temperatures, heavy rainfall, good drainage on slopes, and acidic soil. Maikala Hills are in Madhya Pradesh — associated with forests, not tea. Nallamalai Hills are in Andhra Pradesh — not a tea-growing region. Shivalik Hills (sub-Himalayan foothills) are not a significant tea region. Concept Tested: Tea cultivation in Nilgiri Hills — climate, slope, and soil conditions for tea

NDA 2006-II

Q. 25. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List I (Product)	List II (Major Producer)
A. Tea	1. Andhra Pradesh
B. Jute	2. Kerala
C. Rubber	3. Orissa
D. Tobacco	4. Tamil Nadu

Codes:

(a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

(b) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

(c) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

(d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Answer: (d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Explanation: The source records: Tea → Tamil Nadu (4), Jute → Orissa (3), Rubber → Kerala (2), Tobacco → Andhra Pradesh (1). Rubber → Kerala (2) ✓. Kerala is India’s largest natural rubber producer. Tobacco → Andhra Pradesh (1) ✓. Andhra Pradesh is the largest tobacco-producing state in India. Tea → Tamil Nadu (4): Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris) is a major tea producer, though Assam produces the most nationally. The question asks for “major producer” among the given options — Tamil Nadu is the closest match from the list provided. Jute → Orissa (3): Standard sources rank West Bengal as the largest jute producer (~70%+), not Orissa. Among the states listed in List II, Orissa is the closest match. Students should verify this matching against the official NDA 2006-II answer key. Concept Tested: Crop-to-state matching — Tea (Tamil Nadu), Jute (Orissa per source), Rubber (Kerala), Tobacco (Andhra Pradesh)

Q. 26. In the map given, out of the four areas represented by numbers 1 to 4, which of them represent tobacco growing areas?

[Note: This is a map-based question. The source map is not available. The source records the answer as (c) 1, 2 and 4. Students should verify this answer against the official NDA 2006-II paper and its associated map.]

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4

Explanation: Tobacco is grown in several regions of India. Major tobacco-growing states include Andhra Pradesh (Virginia tobacco), Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Without access to the original map, the specific areas numbered 1, 2, and 4 cannot be confirmed independently. The answer (c) 1, 2 and 4 is recorded from the source. Concept Tested: Major tobacco-growing regions of India — Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka

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