World Agriculture

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option a

Explanation
Agriculture is influenced by various factors such as climate, soil, and topography. Different crops require specific environmental conditions for optimal growth. Coffee and grapes, two economically significant crops, thrive in distinct climatic regions. While coffee is primarily grown in tropical highlands, grapes flourish in temperate and Mediterranean climates. Understanding the agricultural requirements of these crops helps explain why certain countries dominate their production.

Statement (1) is correct: Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee, contributing about 35–40% of global production. The country has held this position for over 150 years due to its vast plantations, advanced farming techniques, and ideal growing conditions. Coffee requires a warm, tropical climate with moderate rainfall (1000–2000 mm annually) and temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter, often found in high-altitude regions. Brazil’s major coffee-growing areas, including Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Espírito Santo, provide the perfect combination of climate and soil. The country cultivates both Arabica (which prefers higher altitudes and cooler temperatures) and Robusta (which grows well in lower, warmer regions). Other leading coffee-producing nations include Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia.

Statement (2) is incorrect: France is well known for its wine industry, but it is not the world’s largest producer of grapes. That title belongs to China, which produces over 14 million metric tons of grapes annually. Grapes thrive in temperate and Mediterranean climates, where summers are warm and dry, and winters are mild. The ideal temperature range for grape cultivation is 15°C to 30°C, with annual rainfall between 500–800 mm. Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with good sunlight exposure is essential for quality grape production. France, while not the largest producer, is famous for its vineyards in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, producing high-quality wine. Other top grape-producing countries include Italy, the USA, and Spain.