Which one of the following crops is not cultivated in Karewas, the lacustrine deposits of sand, clay, loam, silt and boulders found in the Kashmir valley?

Introduction / Context:
Karewas are distinctive lacustrine deposits found mainly in the Kashmir valley, consisting of sand, clay, loam, silt, and boulders. They form fertile plateaus that support particular types of agriculture and horticulture. This question asks you to identify which crop from a given list is not typically cultivated on Karewas, testing your knowledge of both regional geography and specialised crops like saffron.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Karewas are lacustrine deposits located especially in the Kashmir valley. - They are known for supporting certain high value crops. - The options are saffron, almond, walnut, and ling nut. - We assume standard descriptions of Karewa agriculture in Indian geography textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
Karewa soils are famous for supporting saffron cultivation, along with orchards of apples, almonds, and walnuts. These deposits provide well drained conditions suitable for such crops. Ling nut, on the other hand, is another name for water chestnut, an aquatic plant that grows in shallow lakes, ponds, and slow moving water, not on upland plateaus. Therefore, among the options, ling nut stands out as the crop that does not fit the physical environment of Karewas.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Karewas are elevated, well drained, fertile terraces in the Kashmir valley. Step 2: Recognise that saffron fields in Kashmir, especially near Pampore, are located on Karewas and are internationally renowned. Step 3: Almond and walnut orchards also grow well on these deposits, forming part of the region’s horticultural economy. Step 4: Ling nut or water chestnut requires standing or slow moving water and is cultivated in ponds, wetlands, and low lying water bodies. Step 5: Such aquatic conditions are the opposite of the typical Karewa environment. Step 6: Therefore, the crop not cultivated in Karewas is ling nut.

Verification / Alternative check:
Descriptions of Karewas in geography texts highlight them as sites for dry land crops like saffron and for tree based horticulture including apples, almonds, apricots, and walnuts. In contrast, water chestnuts are widely grown in eastern Indian wetlands and in low lying tanks rather than on elevated plateaus. This sharp difference between upland horticultural soils and aquatic cultivation methods confirms that ling nut is out of place in the list and is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Saffron: One of the most famous crops associated with Karewas, especially in Pampore, making it an incorrect choice for this question.
Almond: Grown in orchards on Karewas and often mentioned in context with saffron and other temperate fruits in Kashmir.
Walnut: Another major horticultural crop of the region that thrives on Karewa soils, not an exception.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may hesitate to choose ling nut if they are unfamiliar with the term and instead guess among the more familiar tree crops. Another pitfall is to think of Karewas simply as any fertile land, ignoring their specific upland, non aquatic character. Remembering that Karewas are dry plateaus and that water chestnut is an aquatic crop makes it easier to pick the correct option.

Final Answer:
The crop that is not cultivated in Karewas is Ling nut.