Q. Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?

Answer: (a) Sugarcane

Sugarcane is the least water efficient crop. Among the given options, its water requirement is 1800-2200 mm/season which is highest.
- Sunflower’s water requirement was estimated at 672.4 mm/season.
- Pearl millet is a drought tolerant crop. Water requirement: 350 mm/season.
- Red gram uses about 250-400 mm/season of water.
In terms of production, Sugarcane is the world’s largest crop.
Sugarcane belongs to Poaceae family of true grasses.
In India, Sugarcane is grown as a Kharif Crop.
It needs hot and humid climate with an average temperature of 21°C to 27°C.
75-150 cm rainfall is favorable for sugar cane cultivation.
Irrigation needed for areas with lesser rainfall.
Sugarcane can grow in any soil which can retain moisture.
Ideal soil for sugarcane is deep rich loamy soil.
The soil needs to be rich in nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus but neither it should be neither too acidic nor too alkaline.
Crop water needed: 1500-2500 (mm/total growing period) and draught sensitivity is very High. Hence, sugarcane is the correct answer.