Cotton cultivation necessitates specific climatic and soil conditions for optimal yield. Key factors for suitable cultivation regions include:
- Climate: Cotton flourishes in warm climates with distinct seasons, requiring temperatures between 21°C and 30°C, and a dry harvest period.
- Soil: Ideal soils are black or Regur soils, valued for moisture retention and nutrient richness. Alluvial soils are also suitable.
Evaluating regions based on these criteria:
- Parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan: These areas offer appropriate temperatures and soil types for cotton growth.
- Gujarat and Maharashtra: These states are recognized for significant cotton production, possessing suitable black soils and climatic conditions.
- Plateaus of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu: The Deccan Plateau offers conducive environmental factors for cotton farming.
- West Bengal and Assam: Their tropical, humid climate with high rainfall is not conducive to cotton cultivation. The prevalent alluvial soils are better suited for rice and jute.
Considering the climate and soil needs of cotton, West Bengal and Assam are UNSUITABLE for typical cotton cultivation.
Therefore, the definitive answer is: West Bengal and Assam