Explanation
Option (a) is correct: Sugarcane is the least water-ef-ficient crop. It requires around 1800 to 2200 mm of water, making it a water-intensive crop. It has high water requirements, primarily because it is grown in tropical climates where irrigation is essential for optimal growth.
Option (b) is incorrect: Major oilseeds like soyabean, castor seeds, cotton seeds, linseed and sunflower, etc. requires around 672.4 mm of water, which is considerably lower than sugarcane’s water needs, making it more water-efficient.
Option (c) is incorrect: Millets can be grown even in dry regions without irrigation facilities. Pearl millet is a drought-resistant crop that requires only 350 mm of water, making it highly water-efficient, especially in dry regions.
Option (d) is incorrect: Red gram (pulses) requires 200-450 mm of water, making it relatively more water-efficient compared to crops like sugarcane. Crop Water Requirement (mm) Crop Water Requirement (mm) Rice 900-2500 Chillies 500 Wheat 450-650 Sunflower 350-500 Sorghum 450-650 Castor 500 Maize 500-800 Bean 300-500 Sugarcane 1500-2500 Cabbage 380-500 Groundnut 500-700 Pea 350-500 Cotton 700-1300 Banana 1200-2200 Soybean 450-700 Citrus 900-1200 Tobacco 400-600 Pineapple 700-1000 Tomato 600-800 Gingelly 350-400 Potato 500-700 Ragi 400-450 Onion 350-550 Grape 500-1200