Irrigation demand: Which crop generally requires the maximum water per hectare under Indian conditions? Assume traditional field practices and comparable agro-climatic settings. Choose the correct option.

Concept/Numbers

• Sugarcane has the highest water requirement per hectare among common Indian field crops (often >1500–2500 mm/season depending on climate and duration).
• Paddy is also water-intensive, but per hectare seasonal demand for cane is typically higher due to long duration and evapotranspiration.

Final Answer
Sugarcane.