Option 1: Both the statements are individually true and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I.

This option states that both statements are true and that statement II correctly explains statement I.

Statement I asserts that the semi-arid tracts of India, from eastern Rajasthan to south central Tamil Nadu, are agriculturally less productive. This is generally true because semi-arid regions have limited rainfall and can face water scarcity, making it challenging for agriculture to thrive.

Statement II claims that the semi-arid tracts are the homeland to a large number of central Indian Scheduled Tribe population. This statement may or may not be true because it depends on the specific tribal populations residing in these regions. However, it does not directly explain why the agriculturally less productive nature of the semi-arid tracts. Therefore, statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I.

Option 3: Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

This option suggests that statement I is true, meaning that the semi-arid tracts of India are indeed agriculturally less productive. However, it asserts that statement II is false. This means that the semi-arid tracts are not the homeland of a large number of central Indian Scheduled Tribe populations.

Alert - correct answer should be option