Q1. With reference to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian monsoon and agricultural production, consider the following statements:
- El Niño is associated with anomalous warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
- A near-normal area under Kharif cultivation necessarily indicates near-normal agricultural output.
- Prolonged dry spells and uneven spatial distribution of rainfall can adversely affect crop yields even when seasonal rainfall or sowing area appears relatively normal.
- El Niño can influence Rabi agriculture in India through changes in temperature and winter conditions, in addition to its implications for the southwest monsoon.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
- Statement 4 1 is correct: El Niño involves abnormal warming of the central/eastern equatorial Pacific.
- Statement 4 2 is incorrect: Sown area does not directly determine final output; rainfall distribution, dry spells and crop conditions also affect yield and harvested production.
- Statement 4 3 is correct: Temporal and spatial rainfall variability can reduce yields despite relatively normal aggregate acreage.
- Statement 4 4 is correct: El Niño may contribute to higher temperatures and warmer/shorter winters, potentially affecting crops such as wheat, mustard and chickpea.
